As a result, small venues wanting to host live music events will no longer need a local authority entertainment licence - cutting bureaucracy and expense, and making it easier for pubs and clubs to host live performances.
Jo Dipple, acting chief executive of UK Music, the UK commercial music industry's umbrella body, said, "This is a great day for music. The Live Music Bill will make a real and positive difference to lives of musicians. There is no doubt that the current Licensing Act has created needless layers of bureaucracy - making it complicated and expensive for pubs and other small venues to host live gigs. The entire industry would like to thank Lord Clement-Jones and Don Foster MP who have made this change possible."
John Smith, Musicians Union general secretary, added, "We are delighted that the Live Music Bill has finally made it through Parliament. It is a real achievement for a Private Member's Bill to get through and the MU would like to thank Lord Clement-Jones, Don Foster and all of the other MPs who helped to pass this Bill.
"Over the past few years our members have been telling us that the number of gigs available to young musicians who are still perfecting their craft has gone down. This is primarily due to a reduction in the number of smaller venues which traditionally offered this level of gig, and is directly linked to the Licensing Act. The exemption that the Live Music Bill introduces will be hugely beneficial to these small venues."
On Broadway - This year's Olivier Awards, which recognise the best in British theatre, will feature a live link-up to New York, organisers have announced. Several British stars will be appearing on Broadway at the time of the ceremony, including James Corden, Hugh Dancy and Andrew Garfield. The London leg will be hosted by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, who are currently starring in Sweeney Todd. Nominations will be announced in March, and the main event is on 15 April.
Awards Update - Noel Gallagher is to be honoured with the godlike genius prize at this year's NME Awards. The former Oasis star follows acts like The Clash, Paul Weller and New Order in winning the title. He picks up the award as Blur prepare to collect this year's outstanding contribution to music prize at the Brit Awards next month.
(Jim Evans)
