Liberal Democrat MP for Bath Don Foster has welcomed Government plans to scrap cumbersome regulations controlling entertainment licensing in England and Wales.

The Coalition Government has said that it plans to scrap these prohibitive regulations and licenses will now only be required in situations where they are needed, such as when there are large crowds or alcohol being sold.

Last year, Don Foster introduced a Live Music Bill to the House of Commons which would have freed many smaller venues to host more music. And as the party’s culture spokesman at the last election, he ensured that plans to encourage live music were included in the Lib Dem manifesto. The Coalition Government agreed to take up this commitment and it is this promise which is at the heart of the licensing minister’s announcements on removing the red tape on entertainment.

Commenting, Don Foster stated: “Existing laws have stifled a generation of performers and made life difficult for small venue owners. This legislative change will lift the heavy bureaucratic burden off of any venue, organisation or person that wants to put on live entertainment. It is great news for the cultural life of Bath as it will now be a whole lot easier for people to put on events and shows in our city.”