A Heybridge musician has hit out at a Government bill, which could "see the death of live music".
Rick Christian, of Cooper's Avenue, says the licensing bill will kill live music because it would discourage smaller venues from booking live acts because of the additional costs involved.
The new Licensing Act would allow 24-hour licensing and would force any venue wanting to book any number of performers to get a public entertainment licence. At the moment up to two people can play in a bar without such a licence.
But if the bill becomes law the owner of any venue found to have live music without a licence could face a £20,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.
Mr Christian, the Southend branch secretary of the Musician's Union, said: "It will be the death of live music if it becomes law. It's absolutely ridiculous. Smaller venues that can only afford solo acts or duets just won't pay for it."
The bill has had its first and second readings and is currently at committee stage. It will go to report stage later this month.
Mr Christian is urging people to write to their MPs, local councils and press to prevent it getting a third reading.
He complained that other countries did not have such licences and asked why England should be any different.
Mr Christian urged musicians to attend Mozart's Birthday Silent Protest at Parliament Square in London on January 27.
Published Friday, January 24, 2003
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