The UK's third party, the Liberal Democrats, have said that they will challenge the government
to "rescue live music" from the "needless red tape" which was introduced by the 2003 Licensing Act.

The UK's third party, the Liberal Democrats, have said that they will challenge the government
to "rescue live music" from the "needless red tape" which was introduced by the 2003 Licensing Act.

 

The Lib Dems and others say that the complexities of licensing mean that the bureaucratic process has reduced the number of places offering music, which in turn reduces the opportunities for grass roots musicians to play. The Lib Dems planned to raise the problem in a House of Lords debate. 

 

Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Lord Clement-Jones said "The Government promised that the new licensing laws would result in an explosion in live music, it is quite clear that this has not happened. Under the current regime, a group of musicians playing in the corner pose more of a threat to crime and disorder in a pub than the gang watching a football match on the big screen."