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. An Tobar and Mull Theatre An arts organisation with a theatre, gallery, performance space and studios for the production of new work. Isle of Mull Read more about An Tobar and Mull Theatre The Last Post A tiny micropub on the outskirts of the Derby city centre. Derby Read more about The Last Post Sudbury Sessions An intimate, not-for-profit live music venue located within Gainsborough's House in Suffolk. Sudbury Read more about Sudbury Sessions 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 Etsome Arms A small, 80-cap venue in Somerton hosting live music in all genres. Somerset Read more about The Etsome Arms HOT BOX Live A centrally located, 110-capacity venue hosting live music and community events every night of the week, covering all genres. Essex Read more about HOT BOX Live THE DEPØ A 750-900 independent, city centre venue covering a wide range of genres. Available for support and headline shows. Plymouth Read more about THE DEPØ QUARRY A medium-sized city centre basement venue in Liverpool. Liverpool Read more about QUARRY 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.
An Tobar and Mull Theatre An arts organisation with a theatre, gallery, performance space and studios for the production of new work. Isle of Mull Read more about An Tobar and Mull Theatre
The Last Post A tiny micropub on the outskirts of the Derby city centre. Derby Read more about The Last Post
Sudbury Sessions An intimate, not-for-profit live music venue located within Gainsborough's House in Suffolk. Sudbury Read more about Sudbury Sessions
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 Etsome Arms A small, 80-cap venue in Somerton hosting live music in all genres. Somerset Read more about The Etsome Arms
HOT BOX Live A centrally located, 110-capacity venue hosting live music and community events every night of the week, covering all genres. Essex Read more about HOT BOX Live
THE DEPØ A 750-900 independent, city centre venue covering a wide range of genres. Available for support and headline shows. Plymouth Read more about THE DEPØ