A recent change in UK laws means pubs with a capacity below 200 no longer need a licence to host amplified live music events between 8am and 11pm. Business Minister Michael Fallon explained the amendment is designed to remove the ‘over-the-top bureaucracy that stifles community groups and pubs’, to allow small venues more freedom to grow.

It is expected that as many as 13,000 additional venues will now be able to add live music events to their calendars, which Jazz musician Buster Birch believes is ‘a huge thing’ and ‘very important for our society and culture.’

It is not just musicians who are celebrating however, as, in Fallon’s own words, ‘from today businesses are freed from the red tape that holds them back.’ The new law comes as part of a government reappraisal of around 3,000 regulations which stand in the way of businesses operating effectively. “I’m determined to slim down regulation and make Britain an easier place to start and run a business,” Fallon adds.

In particular, this move should provide a vital opportunity for Britain’s struggling pub owners to fight back against recession by tapping into a new audience of music fans. This relaxation of live music laws does not, however, spell the end of jukebox culture. In fact, rental jukeboxes could prove a useful companion to any pub or bar looking to expand their live music offering, as pub owners have the option to upload promotional posters onto their jukebox screens.

This means not only can venue owners rely on their hired jukebox to create atmosphere and entertain music lovers on days when no live act is available, they can also promote their upcoming music events at the same time. Smart venue managers could even track customers’ selections on their jukebox to decide on which bands or singers to host, based on the genre preferences of their audience. These tactics allow landlords to maximise footfall at events, as well as earning an additional revenue stream in the form of rental jukebox takings.

For expert advice on how to capitalise on a music-loving market and the range of rental Jukebox packages available to your venue, contact a HireJukebox representative.

Author: Marc Bird