Huppert Backs Live Music Bill As Boost For City Pubs

A Lib Dem-led Live Music Bill, which could help the survival of threatened Cambridge pubs, passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons today (Friday, January 20) with the backing of the city’s MP. This is the final step before Royal Assent, expected shortly.

The Bill, which allows live music to be played in pubs and other small venues without red tape licensing restrictions, has been welcomed by Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert.

“This Bill will bring huge advantages to small venues that are being crippled by unnecessary licensing restrictions,” he said. “It means publicans and the organisers of small events held in school and village halls across the city will not have to apply for licenses to play music.

“This simple easing of the present restrictions could mean the difference between a pub surviving or struggling to attract customers in this difficult economic climate.

“A live gig, especially on a quiet night in the week, could mean the difference between people turning up to a pub or choosing to stay home. With so many pubs in Cambridge closing in recent years, this could be a way for some to generate enough income to weather the storm.”

The Bill, championed by Bath MP, Lib Dem Don Foster, will remove licensing restrictions for unamplified music and for amplified music performed to audiences fewer than 200 people.