Will festivals fit the bill?

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has raised serious concerns regarding the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Bill, which is currently being considered in the House of Lords at the same time as the Live Music Bill.

Although the much talked about Live Music Bill aims simplify existing licensing conditions for smaller events, there are increasing concerns that the Police Reform Bill could complicate licensing for large scale outdoor events. The Bill, currently at the committee stage in the House of Lords, includes proposals that would give local residents enhanced rights to object to temporary event licences being issued and it would also grant local authorities more power to impose conditions on promoters of such events.

AIF General Manager Claire O’Neill said: “We are incredibly concerned that changes to the bill will be passed with a ‘one size fits all’ approach that could be a further blow to UK festivals and music events.

O’Neil continued: “Festivals are one of the few places that people come together to celebrate and enjoy life in a relatively incident free environment, certainly compared with town centres on a Friday night. We urge the House of Commons Committee to reconsider those aspects of the Bill that will be detrimental to this positive social and cultural phenomenon”.