In recent years extension of pub licensing hours and liberalisation of licensing for live music has meant that there are a much wider range of opportunities for musicians to perform. However, increasingly, with pressure for housing, and development of inner city brownfield sites, many places where music is played are faced with the prospect of residential neighbours. Many traditional live music venues established themselves in premises in former industrial areas of city centres, with few, […]

Val Weedon, who received an MBE for her work as a noise campaigner is also a music promoter. Val considers recent decisions in managing live music venues near homes. When the relaxation to licensing regulations for live music events was introduced last year with the introduction of the Live Music Act 2012, concerns were raised about a possible increase in complaints. I found myself in a bit of a dilemma, empathising with live music venues […]