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Welcome U-Turn on Alcohol Sales for Tier 2 Music Venues in England

The Government has announced that alcohol sales will be permitted in music venues in England’s Tier 2 regions, without the need for a substantial meal, provided that the event is ticketed and the audience are seated.

Published: 01 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of a live performance taking place, we can just see the stage and a number of set up instruments, with the interesting trousers of one musician.
This variation for live performance from the Government is extremely welcome news for all concerned. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Government’s U-Turn on alcohol sales is a vital win for music venues in England – as stopping the sale of alcohol by music venues in Tier 2 would have made it financially unviable for venues to reopen, even if they were technically allowed to.

Our National Organiser Live Performance Dave Webster commented,

“The MU is delighted that the Government have listened to our concerns, members who have been facing cancellations due to the ban on alcohol sales unless with a substantial meal can hopefully get those gigs back now.

“Getting musicians back on stage is key, this variation for live performance from the Government is extremely welcome news for all concerned.”

Whilst this is good news for those musicians set to work in venues under Tier 2 restrictions, we’re aware that the situation remains challenging, especially for our members in Tier 3 areas. We look forward to working alongside our partners in the industry to help the live industry to recover economically as soon as possible.

Read our latest guidance on how the different tiers are likely to affect musicians in England.

Take action now

It remains vital that the UK Government takes steps to protect the musicians who fall through the gaps in their support schemes.

Take action now and join our urgent call to the Government to do more – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.

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VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available