The report calls for a licensing system that is fair, transparent, evidence-based and culturally competent. Photo: Shutterstock.
Published by Black Lives in Music, the Race Equality in Music Event Licensing (REMEL) report is described as the most comprehensive examination to date of how licensing, regulation and policing shape the experiences of Black and South Asian communities across London's live music sector.
The report brings together evidence from across the industry and finds that Black and South Asian-led events face disproportionate levels of scrutiny, restrictions and cancellations compared to other events.
According to the findings, these barriers come at a significant economic cost. The report estimates that between £127 million and £141 million in live music spending is lost each year, rising to more than £650 million over five years.
Report recommendations
As part of its recommendations, the report calls on the Home Office, the Greater London Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service, local councils and licensing authorities to:
- Commit to an independent review of the licensing system and develop a National Licensing Policy Framework.
- Require clear, verifiable evidence for objections or restrictions and end assumptions of risk based on genre or audience demographics.
- Publish licensing data and introduce independent monitoring of disparities.
- Create more accessible and affordable routes of appeal.
- Remove exclusionary clauses and strengthen equality considerations within licensing decisions.
The REMEL report also sets out five key principles and 19 recommendations designed to address inequalities within the current system while supporting vibrant and diverse live music scenes.
The MU will continue to support the recommendations for systemic reform
The publication of the report marks the latest milestone in ongoing work to address race inequality in live music.
In 2023, the MU and Black Lives in Music jointly wrote to the Mayor of London, raising concerns about racial profiling at live events. This was followed by the launch of the REMEL project in 2024, bringing together industry partners to examine barriers and inequalities affecting Black music audiences, artists and professionals.
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary says: “The REMEL report provides compelling evidence that racial inequality continues to shape music event licensing, creating significant barriers for Black and Asian artists, promoters and venues.
"The lived experiences of Black and Asian artists, promoters and venues, alongside the economic analysis, demonstrates that discriminatory licensing practices not only undermine fairness and transparency, but also restrict cultural expression and economic growth.
"The MU is proud to have played a leading role in this work and will continue to support the recommendations for systemic reform to create a licensing framework that is transparent, evidence-based and equitable for all.”