The federal government is ready to introduce a voluntary levy on tickets for concert events at stadiums and arenas to assist fund grassroots venues.
Ministers count on the music business to push by means of their proposals “as soon as possible” for reveals subsequent yr, the Division for Tradition, Media and Sport (DCMS) mentioned.
The federal government argues that an “industry-led” levy “within the price of a ticket” could be the quickest and best means for revenues from the largest reveals to assist the grassroots sector.
“Ministers have made clear that they want to see a voluntary levy come into effect as soon as possible for concerts in 2025, with clear communication to fans on the purpose of the levy and the benefits it will bring to the grassroots sector,” the DCMS mentioned.
Smaller venues have struggled lately after the pandemic and rising inflation.
Some bands have already began to donate a part of their ticket gross sales to assist fund smaller venues.
Enter Shikari gave £1 of each ticket bought for his or her 2024 area tour to the Music Venue Belief whereas Coldplay have additionally pledged to donate 10% of income from their upcoming UK stadium tour to help smaller venues.
Inventive industries minister Sir Chris Bryant mentioned: “Grassroots music venues are one of the UK’s most valuable and yet undervalued cultural assets.”
Picture:
Coldplay in live performance on the Manchester Ethiad Stadium final yr. Pic: PA
He continued: “They are where bands try out new material, where whole new genres are born, where musicians experiment and where audiences get to experience the raw power of live music.
“These venues help hundreds of jobs and are an important a part of our native communities.
“Without a flourishing grassroots music industry the rest of our music industry will wither.”
Sir Chris added: “That is why I am urging the industry voluntarily to introduce a ticket levy on the biggest commercial players, to help ensure the health and future success of our entire live music industry for decades to come.”
The cross-party committee on tradition, media and sport, which initially put ahead the proposal, welcomed the ministerial help however mentioned a “firm deadline” is required on how lengthy the business has to take motion “before the government itself steps in”.
The committee mentioned it could maintain a listening to with the sector in six months’ time if no main progress is made.
