Music advocacy group Black Lives In Music aims for lasting reform following the release of a government report on music licensing
The UK government has unveiled a new licensing proposal for the music industry, aimed at modernizing and streamlining licensing rules across the country. This National Licensing Policy Framework is designed to bring consistency to a system where local policies have previously varied, causing confusion and delays, particularly for music venues.
The framework includes the creation of 'Hospitality Zones', which will fast-track permissions for alfresco dining, street parties, and extended opening hours. This move is expected to help more live music venues open and operate with fewer noise-related shutdowns and longer working hours, thereby increasing opportunities for artists, promoters, and music fans.
The plan also integrates reforms to support industry growth, such as the £30 million Music Growth Package, and deregulation of licensing.
In the context of addressing racial inequality in the music industry, Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives In Music, has suggested that the government's collaborative, industry-wide approach can help create a more equitable environment for all creators, including musicians from underrepresented backgrounds.
Beaumont, who was part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce, used statistics from BLIM's forthcoming REMEL report in her work with the taskforce. The REMEL report, which will be published later this year, highlights racial profiling, over-policing, and systemic barriers in the music industry, and will examine the impact of existing policies on Black and global majority communities.
Beaumont emphasized that the talent, energy, and creativity already exist in communities, but they need access. She expressed hope that the policy shift will be the foundation for deeper and long-lasting change in the music industry, dismantling structural barriers that disproportionately affect Black and minority musicians.
Beaumont also expressed gratitude to various contributors for their experiences and insights in the work. She believes that the policy shift will be the foundation for deeper and long-lasting change, and welcomed the government's recognition that licensing needs to evolve.
Sources: [1] Government's announcement:
The new National Licensing Policy Framework in the UK extends beyond music, as it aims to streamline licensing rules not only for music venues but also for lifestyle destinations like fashion-and-beauty (salons, boutiques) and food-and-drink hotspots (restaurants, cafes), offering них faster permissions for outdoor activities, longer operating hours, and reduced red tape. This shift may inspire travel (tourism) growth, as tourists may explore diverse lifestyle offerings across the country.
In light of addressing racial inequality in various industries, including fashion-and-beauty, music, and travel, the REMEL report, presented by Black Lives In Music, will uncover the impact of existing policies on Black and global majority communities and provide recommendations to dismantle systemic barriers affecting underrepresented groups.
