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# New UK Law Hurting Live Music Biz
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/new_uk_law_hurt/
- Published: 2005-11-07T16:56:54.000Z
- Updated: 2005-11-07T16:56:54.000Z
- Description: And we think the US music industry has problems… In the UK a new ordinance that was originally supposed to encourage new performers is now being scene as a damaging. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2005/11/new_uk_law_hurt.html]
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Uncategorized, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 11:10

![Indietvcrowd_8](https://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/images/indietvcrowd_8.jpg "Indietvcrowd_8")

****And we think the US music industry has problems…**

In the UK a new ordinance that was originally supposed to encourage new performers is now being scene as a damaging blow to the industry by pub and club owners.

Beginning November 24th, a live music permit will be required for musicians performing in a venue. Under the Licensing Act, the maximum penalty for anyone breaching the rules will be a £20,000 fine and six months in prison, according to the *Times Online*. The law change aims to minimize noise nuisance and cut crime and disorder.

Harnish Birchall, a drummer and former adviser to the Musicians’ Union, told the press: “Existing pubs and bars will be allowed to keep their jukeboxes, sound systems and big screens. By contrast, even one unamplified singer could lead to heavy fines or a jail sentence for the landlord.” Even performing in a field for a private event will require a license if it is raising money for charity or charging admission, or if it is a public event.

Brian Mayhew, landlord of the Beehive in Norwich, said his pub would stop staging live music. “This is bureaucracy gone stupid,” he told the *Times*. “It’s killing off live music.”

*Scource: Celebrity Access*