A bill aimed at reducing the red tape around staging live music has been passed through the House of Commons today.
The bill will exempt venues, including pubs, with a capacity of 200 or fewer from the need to obtain a licence for live music before 11pm.
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds (pictured) said: "This really is music to our ears. Pubs are where live music begins, and for years, we've been saying that many of the regulations surrounding it are unnecessary - they have prevented publicans from making the most of Britain's pubs as the place where live music acts first get a foothold.
"Well done to MPs for voting this through - let's make it the first of many measures to cut the red tape surrounding pubs."
By Neil Gerrard
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