A raft of cuts in red tape will make it easier for village halls
to be the social heart of their communities by reducing the burden
on community buildings.
Village halls now face less paperwork when it comes to putting
on the events, plays, performances and social evenings which pull
communities together.
The main piece of legislation affected by the changes is the
Licensing Act 2003, which introduced a single system to regulate
the provision of entertainment to the public (or in private where a
charge is made with a view to profit), the sale or supply of
alcohol, and the provision of late-night refreshment.
The Government recently made further changes to entertainment
licensing in line with its policy to remove unnecessary regulations
and burdens on the voluntary sector and business, and in particular
to cut red tape to encourage the performance of live music.
Please check licensing issues with your local authority
as this is new legislation coming into effect as of 6th April
2015.
The full summary can be found here
https://www.gov.uk/entertainment-licensing-changes-under-the-live-music-act but
the basis is as follows:
A licence is not required to stage a performance of live
music, or the playing of recorded music or to stage a play or
performance of dance
- it takes place between 8AM and 11PM; and
- it takes place at an alcohol on-licensed premises; and
- the audience is no more than 500 people
A licence is needed to screen a film but there are exemptions
for places of public worship, village halls, church halls and other
similar buildings.
