The Government’s move to remove licensing restrictions for community entertainment has been backed by council leaders.
The rule changes mean community venues can now put on events without having to apply to the local council for a licence. Under current rules, the average Temporary Event Notice costs over £200.
Flick Rea, chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: ‘Councils are firmly behind government’s pledge to scrap unnecessary red tape and take a more common sense approach to licensing.
‘Concerts, plays, community and fundraising events are a huge and important part of cultural life in this country and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to hold them.
‘At the same time, it remains important that local authorities are able to act on the concerns of residents, particularly when it comes to late night concerts and parties held close to people’s homes.’
The changes are expected to come into force in England and Wales by April 2013,accoridng to LG News today