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| THE PEL LAW IN THE UK - is it Killing Traditionl Music? |
| Can I Change It? NO - But Parliament can... So maybe you can with the help of your member of Parliament. At the Moment a working paper EDM 331 is being signed by Members of Parliament who think the current PEL Laws are due to be reformed for the better. Has your member of Parliament signed? The purpose of an EDM is to air an issue that a group of MPs feel strongly about. It is published on the Parliament website CLICK HERE (Index - E - EDM Database -EDM'S) to see if your MP has signed. MPs add their names in support. If a large number do this, it sends a strong message to the Government. This in turn can be very effective in gaining media coverage. If he hasn't signed as yet write to him and ask him to sign now. This can be done via an online fax service If you're not sure who your member of Parliament is - you can find out at the link above by entering your Post Code. What else can I do? If you have a Web site - publicise that sad state of affairs and link to this site. Support Live sessions - talk to members of the audience and let them know that they could loose live music. Keep trying, even if your attempts seem to fall on rocky ground, public opinion will win in the end. Contact your Town Hall - If they enforce the PEL Laws ask them to reconsider. On 2nd May former Home Office Minister Mike O'Brien held a press conference announcing the conclusion of the Government's licensing review. He gave equal weight to liquor and entertainment licensing reform, saying: 'These reforms should give the tourism industry a real boost...' (Home Office press release). The DCMS is now responsible for both public entertainment licensing policy and tourism, but no timetable has been set for the presentation of a new licensing Bill. If you wish to express a view directly to the DCMS, you could email Licensing Minister Dr Kim Howells: Kim.Howells@culture.gsi.gov.uk Ms Drew's email address is: Philippa.Drew@culture.gsi.gov.uk Or write to: DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur St, London SW1Y 5DH. REMEMBER PEL LAWS AFFECTS ALL MUSIC STYLES, TRADITIONAL DANCE MUSIC, KARAOKE ETC. |
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