Black Lives in Music welcomes the UK Government’s newly announced measures to cut red tape and modernise licensing processes. These reforms represent a critical opportunity to rebalance a system that has long excluded Black and underrepresented creatives, artists, promoters and venue owners.
As part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce, our CEO, Dr Charisse Beaumont, contributed evidence and recommendations drawn directly from our forthcoming REMEL report. The report examines the disproportionate impact of existing licensing policies on Black and global majority communities, particularly in the live music and night-time economy. Our findings, which highlight racial profiling, over-policing and systemic barriers, were shared with ministers and are reflected in aspects of the government’s new Small Business Plan.
We welcome the recognition from the government that licensing needs to evolve, and that the creativity and innovation found within Black and underrepresented communities has for too long been overlooked, restricted or actively shut out.
“It was a pleasure to be part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce and to feed into the government’s new strategy,” said Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music.
Using evidence from our upcoming REMEL report, we made it clear that the licensing system does not work for everyone. In fact, it often works against the very people who have shaped and continue to shape British music culture. These reforms represent an important step towards fairer access and more inclusive pathways for artists, promoters and venue operators to thrive.
We also welcome the commitment to reviewing how unused buildings and underutilised spaces can be brought back into public life. A more flexible approach to licensing has the potential to unlock space for music and cultural events, particularly in areas that have been historically underinvested in.
“We are grateful to the many voices, venue owners, artists, promoters, organisers who contributed their experiences and insight to our work,” said Dr Beaumont.
“This is just the beginning. The talent, energy and creativity already exists in our communities. They just need access. We hope this policy shift will be the foundation for deeper and long-lasting change.”
Black Lives in Music will continue to engage with policymakers, local authorities, industry partners and communities to push for licensing reform that is fair, transparent and representative. The REMEL report will be published later this year and will offer a clear blueprint for the future of licensing in the UK’s music and night-time economy.
Read the UK Government’s official Licensing Reform announcement here.