In Dundee where we have many arts based groups flourishing around Dundee Contemporary Arts and the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art they have already met to try to stave off the imposition of unreasonable charges.
In Broughty Ferry, there are many free arts and community events including the switching on of the Christmas Lights, Gala Week and the Annual Broughty Art Society Show which potentially might be affected.
At the Licensing Committee on Thursday morning 29 March I made the following contribution to the debate:
"Members I don't want a tax on art and local entertainment in Dundee . I am pleased that common sense has prevailed and the Agenda Note for the Licensing Committee this morning takes us on a more cautious route. I think is would be a sensible decision to defer imposing any charges while the Council conducts a consultation. I expect that our lengthy consultation period would allow fears and concerns about any extension of charges to be fully explored before we are asked to decide which if any events might fall within these new regulations next year. In a city that will soon have the much heralded V and A museum on our waterfront, from which we hope our arts based sector will grow, it is important not to impose red tape, regulations and ridiculous charges that would unnecessarily stifle the very creative impulse that we are trying to foster in Dundee. Additionally I don't want to discourage community groups from organising events in their neighbourhoods for their members and supporters. We must not do anything that would discourage their valued contribution to the life of our city."
The Committee decided to defer imposing any new charges while Council staff undertake a thorough consultation.
Notes
Until recently, it was up to each local authority which public entertainment events they chose to licence. However, changes brought in by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (S) Act 2010 now require them to look at Public Entertainment Licences for free events.
One of the motivations behind this change was impromptu raves, that would spring up in some public parks – but as no entry fee was charged, the Local Authority could not effectively regulate the events through their licensing system.
The range of licensable activities is still left to each individual Local Authority to determine according to local need. Please note that the requirement is for the place (venue etc), not the person (organisers), to be licensed.
This change is due to come into effect on 1 April 2012. Some local authorities have already considered the implications of charging licensing fees for free events and have exempted certain ones. Others, like Dundee have decided that this is a change that attracts a standard 9 month consultation period.
