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Review of Entertainment Licensing in Northern Ireland

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced a review of the current entertainment licensing regime in Northern Ireland which has been in place for almost 30 years.

Published: 21 May 2015 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced a review of the current entertainment licensing regime in Northern Ireland which has been in place for almost 30 years.

Entertainment licences are required from local councils to hold live entertainment indoors or to stage open air music events on private land.

In July last year, the Minister invited representatives from the entertainment industry, councils, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) to review and make recommendations on changes to the entertainment licensing system.

Minister Durkan said “I would encourage everyone to read the report and take the opportunity to comment on the recommendations.”

The consultation document is available from the Department of Environment. 

The Musicians’ Union will be responding to the consultation and welcomes the view of members living and working in Northern Ireland on the recommendations set out.

For more information or to give us your views contact Sheena Macdonald, Regional Organiser, sheena.macdonald@theMU.org, 0141 341 2964 by 16 June.

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