Your holding an event with a music performance in the U.K. Do you need to get an entertainment license? Here are the basics that you need to know.
Under the 2003 Licensing Act, there was a range of live music performances that could take place without a license for event purposes. The Live Music Act of 2012 broadens the range of live music performances that can take place, and it broadens the kinds of performances that were listed in the 2003 act. A number of music performances that used to require a license no longer require one.
For example, you no longer have to have a license to put on a live music performance if the performance occurs between the hours of 8 AM and 11 PM, if it occurs at a licensed workplace or premises, and if the audience has fewer than 200 people. Furthermore, you no longer need a license to put on live music that’s not amplified at any location during the same hours.
Some kinds of performances that usually don’t need a license under the Act are busking, karaoke, spontaneous singing, sound checks and rehearsals, DJs playing tracks, and other kinds of low-impact, amateur performances that don’t necessitate a formal license being granted.
How do you know whether your performance needs a license or not?
It’s easy. All you need to do is confirm it with your local licensing authority – often your local council – to see whether you need a license for the live music event. You may or may not need a license, even if you’re familiar with the law, so it’s still a good idea to check. You may require a TEN (Temporary Event Notice) if you want to hold your music performance on a premises that is unlicensed.
Silvia Pellegrini
Silvia Pellegrini is an entrepreneur, event consultant, author, mentor, event manager, founder and managing director of Silvia Pellegrini Consultancy (www.silviapellegrini.co.uk). SP Consultancy is located in the heart of London, yet her consultancy and event planning enjoys an international reputation.
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