The report highlighted the financial struggles faced by many grassroots music venues, which are often unable to compete with larger venues and festivals due to their limited budgets.

The Problem with Grassroots Music Venues

The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s report revealed that many grassroots music venues are struggling to stay afloat due to a lack of funding. These venues are often run by volunteers and rely heavily on ticket sales to cover their costs. However, with the rise of larger venues and festivals, many grassroots venues are finding it difficult to compete. The report found that:

The financial struggles faced by grassroots music venues are having a ripple effect on the entire music industry. As these venues close, it can lead to a loss of talent and a reduction in the diversity of music being performed. This can also have a negative impact on the local economy, as these venues often serve as community hubs and provide a space for people to come together and enjoy live music.

The Proposed Solution

Sir Chris Bryant’s proposal for a voluntary £1 ticket levy on stadiums and arena shows is a potential solution to the financial struggles faced by grassroots music venues. The levy would allow venues to generate additional revenue and help them to stay afloat. However, it’s worth noting that the proposal is voluntary, which means that not all stadiums and arena shows would be required to participate.

This would be a more efficient and effective way of supporting the grassroots sector than the current system of relying on a small percentage of ticket sales from the biggest shows to fund it.

The Need for Sustainable Grassroots Support

The UK’s live music industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, generating billions of pounds in revenue each year.

“The grassroots scene is the backbone of the music industry, it’s the foundation upon which the bigger venues and festivals are built upon.”

The Importance of Grassroots Music Venues

Grassroots music venues are small, independent music venues that provide a platform for local and emerging artists to perform. These venues are often run by passionate individuals who are dedicated to supporting the local music community. They are the lifeblood of the music industry, providing a space for artists to hone their craft, gain experience, and build a following. Key characteristics of grassroots music venues: + Small capacity (typically under 200 people) + Independent and locally owned + Focus on showcasing local and emerging talent + Often run by passionate individuals who are dedicated to the local music community

The Role of Grassroots Music Venues in the Music Industry

Grassroots music venues play a crucial role in the music industry. They provide a platform for local and emerging artists to gain exposure, build a following, and develop their skills. Without these venues, the music industry would be severely lacking in talent and diversity.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed the report’s support for a levy on arena and stadium tickets.

The levy was proposed to address the issue of unpaid bills and debts owed by music venues to the National Arenas Association (NAA) and the Live Music Exchange (LIVE). The proposed levy would have been a percentage of the ticket sales revenue generated by music venues.

The Origins of the Ticket Levy

The ticket levy was first proposed in 2019 by a group of industry representatives, including representatives from the National Arenas Association (NAA), Live Music Exchange (LIVE), and Music Venue Trust. The proposal aimed to address the growing issue of unpaid bills and debts owed by music venues to the NAA and LIVE. The levy was seen as a way to encourage music venues to pay their debts and to provide a financial safety net for the industry.

Key Features of the Levy