The number of live music venues in London has fallen to 88 from 136 in 2007, a report entitled Grassroots Music Venues Rescue Plan reveals.
Among the threats to the industry are higher rents, noise issues, developers and licensing restrictions, according to the report.
The report calls for a review of licensing and other restrictions, and a reduction in the level of business rates. It also draws attention to the application of the Agent of Change principle, as part of which developers are charged with planning for the impact of noise from existing live venues on the residents of new buildings.
The Independent, p. 13
