Tourism Minister John Penrose said changes could provide an "important source of new income to struggling businesses such as pubs, restaurants and hotels". He said extra costs and red tape had also been imposed on school plays and discos where ticket sales went to Parent Teacher Association funds, Punch and Judy shows, street artists, park brass bands and restaurant pianists. He said current laws had resulted in "inconsistent, illogical and capricious" distinctions between types of events and regulation should be required only where it was needed to keep events safe.
Mr Penrose added, "Before we press ahead, it's important we get the views of those working in the industry, and to make sure that the principles of public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm are safeguarded. Our starting point is a simple one: If there's no good reason for any of the rules and restrictions in this important area, our presumption should be to scrap them."
Record Breakers - For the second year running the BBC Proms season has achieved record audiences, the corporation has announced. Attendance at the main evening events was 94%, compared with 92% in 2010. More than 300,000 people attended a prom over the course of the summer. The season drew to a close on Saturday night with the Last Night Of The Proms.
Director of BBC Proms Roger Wright said, "The strong attendance figures are a testament to the adventurous spirit of the Proms audiences, their continuing eagerness to embrace such a wide range of music and the great value for money which the Proms offers thanks to the ongoing commitment of the BBC."
Jacko Tribute - Jamie Foxx has been announced as the host of next month's Michael Jackson tribute concert. The R&B singer said he was "honoured" to be fronting the event, which takes place in Cardiff on 8 October. Speaking to MTV News, Foxx said, "Michael was larger than life and I have admired him, honoured him, joked about him but always loved and respected him. I hope I honour his legacy in a way that would make him laugh and cry." Christina Aguilera, JLS and Cee-Lo Green are due to perform live at the gig, at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
(Jim Evans)
