Grassroots Music Venues and Pubs Small venues in England and Wales can put on live music without a music licence thanks to the Live Music Act. Last updated: 30 March 2022 Venues are covered under the terms of the Live Music Act if: They are based in England or Wales There is an existing alcohol licence There are fewer than 500 people in the audience for amplified music. There is no audience limit for unamplified music. The live music will not take place between the hours of 23.00 & 08.00 This is great for grassroots music, especially in pubs. A study by PRS for Music reports that bars putting on live music see an increase in ‘wet sales’ of 44% over the weekend, peaking at 60% on Friday and Saturday nights, and are on average three times less likely to close. A live music programme can enhance a business and be a creative hub for a community. The Music Venue Trust advises on the legislative, practical and creative elements involved in hosting live music. For the artist performer the MU can provide advice on playing music in pubs, live performance contracts, health and safety issues, promotional advice and useful contacts. Our Fair Play Guide advises on fair ticket deals and we have a network of venues across the UK that support the principles of the Fair Play Guide. Find a Fair Play Venue Browse grassroots music venues where musicians can be sure of securing a fair deal. Bristol Beacon A music charity, renowned venue and music education hub, with four performance spaces and a capacity of 2,124 in the main auditorium. Bristol Read more about Bristol Beacon Pilot Inn A family friendly pub with a live music space. Hardwicke Read more about Pilot Inn The Fleece A large, 450 capacity national touring venue, hosting live music seven nights a week. Bristol Read more about The Fleece St James Wine Vaults A small for-hire venue, hosting live music at least four times a week. Bath Read more about St James Wine Vaults The Bell Inn A community owned and supported music pub, specialising in jazz, blues, folk and roots performances with a second room available for hire with PA and engineer. Bath Read more about The Bell Inn Cardiff Students' Union A 1,500-capacity accessible venue, primarily available for hire, with occasional opportunities for local support bands. Cardiff Read more about Cardiff Students' Union Le Pub A 140 capacity venue in South Wales offering venue hire, support slots, and other opportunities. Newport Read more about Le Pub The Lost and Found Bristol A multi-room venue with a total capacity of 400, providing spaces for live music performances and events. Bristol Read more about The Lost and Found Bristol See all venues Find a Fair Play Venue Whether you’re planning a tour or looking for venues in your area, musicians can find places to play where you can be certain of getting a fair deal. Browse Fair Play Venues Fair Play Venues can be identified by the sticker displayed on the premises and can be found on our Fair Play Venue listing. Find out more about the Fair Play Scheme and how to nominate a venue.
Bristol Beacon A music charity, renowned venue and music education hub, with four performance spaces and a capacity of 2,124 in the main auditorium. Bristol Read more about Bristol Beacon
The Fleece A large, 450 capacity national touring venue, hosting live music seven nights a week. Bristol Read more about The Fleece
St James Wine Vaults A small for-hire venue, hosting live music at least four times a week. Bath Read more about St James Wine Vaults
The Bell Inn A community owned and supported music pub, specialising in jazz, blues, folk and roots performances with a second room available for hire with PA and engineer. Bath Read more about The Bell Inn
Cardiff Students' Union A 1,500-capacity accessible venue, primarily available for hire, with occasional opportunities for local support bands. Cardiff Read more about Cardiff Students' Union
Le Pub A 140 capacity venue in South Wales offering venue hire, support slots, and other opportunities. Newport Read more about Le Pub
The Lost and Found Bristol A multi-room venue with a total capacity of 400, providing spaces for live music performances and events. Bristol Read more about The Lost and Found Bristol