The Live Music Bill has been passed in the Commons today, giving a much-needed boost to on-trade venues wishing to host live music performances.

The bill does away with the need for pubs and bars, with a capacity of 200 or fewer, to secure a license for live music performances before 11am.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer Pub Association, who had supported the proposal of the bill, commented: '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.'

News item from Imbibe.com, 20-01-2012