Live Music Act 2012

Live Music Act 2012
Act of Parliament
Long titleAn Act to amend the Licensing Act 2003 with respect to the performance of live music entertainment; and for connected purposes.
Citation2012 c. 2
Introduced byDonald Michael Ellison Foster (Commons)
Lord Clement-Jones (Lords)
Territorial extent England and Wales
Dates
Royal assent8 March 2012
Commencement1 October 2012
Status: Current legislation
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Live Music Act 2012 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Live Music Act 2012 (c. 2) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The act reduces regulation surrounding live music in small venues.[1] The audience limit has now been extended to 500 people.

At the time the act was passed, the industry body, UK Music, estimated that it would enable 13,000 more venues to start to hold live music events.[1]

Legislative passage

The act was passed as a private member's bill.[1]

Provisions

The act allows for licence exemptions for live music between 8am and 11pm to audiences of up to 200.[2]

Reception

The Noise Abatement Society criticised the legislation, saying it would "set residents at odds with local businesses".[1] The act was supported by the British Beer and Pub Association describing many of the regulations before the act was passed as unnecessary.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Live music red tape lifted for small venues". BBC News. 1 October 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
  2. ^ "Live Music Bill gets second reading in Parliament". The Morning Advertiser. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
  3. ^ Gerrard, Neil (20 January 2012). "Live Music Bill passed through House of Commons". The Caterer. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
  • The full text of Live Music Act 2012 at Wikisource
  • Entertainment licensing changes under the live music act on the UK Government website