Government proposes exemption of small venues from live music licence.

(From Guardian Unlimited)

UK officials have once again issued a timid thumbs-up for cafe concerts and basement gigs, proposing that small live music performances may no longer need to be licensed. The government has announced a new consultation -- their ninth -- into removing the licensing requirements for concerts with less than 100 attendees.

This review of the 2003 Licensing Act was first signalled in October , but seemed to stall within weeks of its announcement. The department for culture, media and sport has now asked for responses by 23 March, making new legislation unlikely before a June general election.

"Going to see a band, musician or singer …