Music and entertainment licensing is a complicated subject, but it is important to understand that it protects the roles of composers and attempts to ensure that everyone receives fair compensation for the jobs that they fulfill, as well as keeping live events safe and sufficiently regulated.

Licensing for live events

Recent changes to the licensing laws

• In 2003 the “2003 Licensing Act” was introduced in the UK.
• In 2012 (helped by pressure from the Musicians Union) the “Live Music Act 2012” was introduced – this should help small venues to put on live music events without a license.
• In 2015 the "2003 Licensing Act" was reviewed and changes were made.

What was the Live Music Act 2012?

The introduction of the LMA 2012 meant that an event licence was no longer required for live music, as long as the event was taking place on a premises licensed to sell alcohol, between the hours of 8am and 11pm and the audience was no more than 200 people (since updated to 500).

The changes made it easier for the thousands of music venues throughout the UK to put on live music, however it's important that the rules and regulations within the act are understood. If live music venues infringe the criteria they could potentially be shut down or fined.

Impact of the Live Music Act 2012

A review in 2014 concluded that:

"Attendance at live music appears to have remained effectively constant following the implementation of the Live Music Act, but data lags mean there is little information available at this point in time. Early indications from stakeholders indicate a positive effect, but the size of the change is not quantified."

When do you need an event licence for live music?

The Gov.uk website currently states that you do not require a licence for the performance of live music as long as the performance:

• Takes place between 8AM and 11PM; and
• It takes place at an alcohol on-licensed premises
• The audience is no more than 500 people

You also don't need a licence:

• to put on unamplified live music at any place between the same hours; or
• to put on amplified live music at a workplace between the same hours and provided the audience is no more than 500 people.
  

If your event doesn't meet these criteria, you may be required to make a licence application that will cover entertainment and the sale/supply of alcohol or apply for a temporary event license.

Exemptions

There are some places that are exempt from the need for a license, these include:

• Places of public worship, village halls, church halls and other
  similar buildings
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Local authority premises
• Incidental music - music that is incidental to other activities that aren't classed as regulated entertainment

Important points to remember

• The Live Music Act 2012 does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland
• Live music venues still require a licence to serve alcohol
• Venues can check if they need a licence through their local council. It is also possible to get a temporary music license.
• A temporary license will be needed if the music venue in question has an audience of more than 500.
• You will still require a music license from PRS PPL, which also covers the performance of live music.

For more information on event licensing, visit the Gov.UK website.

Licensing for recorded music

Whilst small venues are usually able to stage live music without an event license, it is crucial that they obtain the relevant licenses to be able to play recorded music on their premises. Not only is this important from an artists point of view (as they depend on the royalties from this license fee) it is illegal for venues who do not have these licenses to play music.

With the recent joint venture between PRS (Performing Rights Society) and PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd), it is now possible to purchase the correct license for your premises in one place by getting TheMusicLicence.

Pplprs.co.uk states:

"TheMusicLicence allows you to legally play music for employees or customers in your business through the radio, TV, other digital devices and live performances... We collect licence fees from UK businesses and organisations on behalf of our parent companies, PPL and PRS for Music. PPL then distributes these licence fees for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers, while PRS for Music distributes licence fees for the use of musical compositions and lyrics on behalf of songwriters, composers and publishers. This ensures that the people who create music are fairly rewarded for their talent and work."

A license is required for the public playing of copyright music that is registered with PPL PRS. This is inclusive of jukeboxes, CDs, video, radio and TV. Further information can be found on the PPL PRS Website.

It is also recommended that venues contact their Local Licensing Authority to ensure that they have the correct and up to date licenses for their premises.

Sources and further information:

• BBC News article regarding the Live Music Act 2012
  
• Gov.uk – comprehensive explanation of the live music changes
  
• Performers Rights Society – association of composers, songwriters and publishers who collect royalties.
  
• Gov.uk Post Implementation Review
  
• Gov.uk Entertainment Licensing Guidance