"Music industry group pushes for enduring transformation following the release of a government report on licensing"

"Music industry group pushes for enduring transformation following the release of a government report on licensing"

In a significant move towards fostering inclusivity and modernising the music industry, the UK government has announced new licensing proposals. These reforms aim to simplify and cut red tape in the licensing process, addressing a system that has historically excluded Black and underrepresented creatives.

The impetus for these changes can be traced back to the Black Lives In Music (BLIM) REMEL (Race Equality in Music Events Licensing) report. This comprehensive study, set to be published later this year, focuses on the disproportionate and negative impact of current licensing policies on Black and global majority communities within the live music and night-time economy.

The report, led by BLIM's CEO, Dr. Charisse Beaumont, highlights systemic issues such as racial profiling, over-policing, and structural barriers that limit equitable access and participation for Black artists, promoters, and venue owners. These findings were shared with ministers, influencing the new licensing reforms.

Dr. Beaumont, who was part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce, expressed her optimism, stating, "It was a pleasure to be part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce and to feed into the government's new strategy." She welcomed the government's recognition that licensing needs to evolve, and expressed that the new proposals could be the foundation for deeper and long-lasting change.

Some aspects of the Licensing Taskforce report are reflective of the REMEL report's findings, indicating a shared understanding of the issues at hand. This alignment is particularly significant for the music business, as some of these licensing proposals will directly impact it.

The REMEL report also addresses racial profiling, over-policing, and systemic barriers in the music industry, aiming to create fairer access and more inclusive pathways for artists and operators to thrive in live music. This contribution represents an important step toward rectifying the historical exclusion of Black and underrepresented creatives in the UK music scene.

Dr. Beaumont acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders in the Licensing Sprint Taskforce, emphasising the collaborative effort required to bring about meaningful change. The REMEL report, with its forthcoming publication, promises to shed further light on these critical issues and pave the way for a more equitable future in the UK music industry.

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1. Dr. Beaumont's optimism stems from the potential impact of the new licensing proposals on fashion-and-beauty and shopping industries, as inclusivity and modernization could extend to these sectors.
2. The food-and-drink industry may also benefit from the licensing reforms, as an equitable and inclusive live music scene might attract a more diverse audience, boosting business.
3. As relationships within the music industry strengthen and evolve, the travel industry may see increased tourism from artists and fans, contributing to a booming economy.
4. With a focus on fairer access and inclusivity, pets could potentially be adopted or fostered by thriving artists and promoters, supporting local pet shelters and animal welfare organizations.

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