UK Government Approves Ticket Levy for Grassroots Music

The UK government is advocating for a voluntary levy on concert tickets for stadiums and arenas to support struggling grassroots music venues, which have faced significant challenges due to the pandemic and inflation. Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasized that these grassroots venues are crucial for nurturing new talent and are vital to the overall health of the live music industry. The proposed levy would direct a portion of profits from larger concerts back into the grassroots sector, with the intention of safeguarding its future. The Music Venue Trust has expressed support for this initiative, viewing it as a beneficial compromise for the industry. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called for a clear deadline for implementing the levy, warning that the government may introduce mandatory measures if progress is not made. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the timely impact of longer-term reforms, such as reduced business rates for venues planned for 2026.