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Live Music Bill [HL]

To amend the Licensing Act 2003 with respect to the performance of live music entertainment; and for connected purposes.

What this bill does

The purpose of the Live Music Bill is to amend the Licensing Act 2003 with respect to the performance of live music. The Bill would exempt certain types of venue, and of performance, from existing licensing requirements for the performance of live music. As a result, it would increase the number of places and performances not subject to such licenses, in order to widen access and to encourage the performance of live music.Key areasVenues authorised to supply alcohol with a capacity of less than 200 people, at which music would be performed between the hours of 8am and midnight, would no longer require a license for the performance of live music. Up to two performers would be able to perform live unamplified, or minimally amplified, music without the need for a license. Hospitals, hospital accommodation, schools and colleges would be able to host live music performances without the need for a licence.

Originating House

House of Lords

Parliament last updated

13 April 2010

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Live Music Bill would change the Licensing Act 2003 to make it easier for small venues and certain settings to stage live music without a licence. It would remove the need for a live music licence for many small venues (capacity under 200 with an alcohol licence) for performances between 8am and midnight, and allow up to two performers with unamplified or only lightly amplified music. It would also let hospitals, hospital accommodation, schools and colleges host live music without a licence, in order to widen access and encourage live performances.

Key Points

  • Exempts venues with an alcohol licence and capacity under 200 from needing a live music licence for performances 8am–midnight.
  • Allows up to two performers to perform live unamplified or minimally amplified without a licence.
  • Hospitals, hospital accommodation, schools and colleges can host live music without a licence.
  • Aims to widen access to live music and encourage more performances by amending the Licensing Act 2003.

Progress

Originating in the Lords, the bill completed its Lords stages in 2010. It is currently in the Commons, at the 2nd reading stage.

Who is affected?

Small licensed venues (capacity under 200)Up to two live music performers per eventHospitals and hospital accommodationSchools and collegesPeople attending live music in these venues/settings

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

19 Nov 2009

2nd readingLords

15 Jan 2010

Order of Commitment dischargedLords

1 Feb 2010

3rd readingLords

9 Feb 2010

1st readingCommons

9 Feb 2010

2nd readingCommons
Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Live Music

1 Jan 1970

Third reading - the final chance for the Lords to change the Bill - took place on 9 February and no amendments were made.

This Bill was presented to the Commons on 9 February 2010. This is known as First Reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.

The 2009-10 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (2)

Bill 70 09-10 (as brought from the Lords)
BillCommons
10 Feb 2010
HL Bill 7 09-10
BillLords
20 Nov 2009

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.