The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted that the concerns raised by the MU, British Underground, UK Music and other industry bodies as well as countless musicians to the Metropolitan Police have been listened to and form 696 has been scrapped.
The MU was concerned to hear that urban music across the capital was in many cases being stifled by the use of form 696, especially where live performances incorporated DJs in genres such as grime.
British Underground’s Makeda Bennet undertook extensive research into the use of the form and subsequent restrictions on live music events involving DJs.
An argument was presented to then Culture minister Matt Hancock at the DCMS which in turn was handed over to the London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Dave Webster, MU National Organiser for Live Performance, says:
“This news is most welcome and we are grateful to all stakeholders who have listened and responded.
“It is very good news that following meetings with the Metropolitan Police and the London Music Board, the Met chose to scrap the use of the form, and is developing more inclusive ways of ensuring safe gigs for everybody such as promoter forums and more integrated liaison with local councils and venue owners.”
Crispin Parry, CEO of British Underground says:
“Well done to the Met Police for scrapping this discriminatory form. There was a powerful lobby of artists, government and music industry wanting to make this change and it’s good to see us working together to achieve such a great result.”