Government ‘very sympathetic’ to idea of ticket levy to help small music venues
Culture minister Julia Lopez said she had had ‘recent discussions with relevant organisations on the matter’.
The Government is “very sympathetic” to calls for a levy on gig tickets at arenas and stadiums to help create a support fund for grassroots venues.
Culture minister Julia Lopez offered encouragement to the concept and said the Government was “watching very closely” industry discussions about it.
Speaking at culture questions, SNP MP and former Runrig band member Pete Wishart told the Commons: “Since I last raised the closure of small music venues, two per week continue to be closed.
“The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is looking at this, and I have listened very carefully to the evidence.
“If it is recommended, will (Ms Lopez) put in place a levy similar to the one in other countries across Europe?”
“We are watching very closely the industry discussions which are under way about the idea of a levy that would support grassroots music venues.
“As we all know, they are the pipeline for talent in our world-leading music industry, we do not want to see them wither, so we are watching very, very closely and I have had recent discussions with relevant organisations on this matter.”
