Glasgow Council Votes to Levy £1 on Mega-Gig Tickets

Glasgow councillors have approved a £1 levy on 'mega-gig' tickets to support small music venues, projected to raise significant funds from major events at the OVO Hydro, which could amount to £160,000 from upcoming performances alone. The Scottish Greens led the initiative, emphasizing the financial struggles of grassroots venues which have faced closures post-COVID-19. In parallel, Glasgow councillor Laura Doherty has raised concerns regarding the UK government's proposed statutory gambling levy, aimed at generating £100 million annually for combating gambling-related harms. She emphasizes the need for clarity on fund distribution to ensure fair allocation for Glasgow's vulnerable communities, as the city has a high concentration of bookmakers. The gambling levy aims to replace a voluntary system that allowed unequal contributions from operators. Both initiatives reflect broader efforts to enhance local economies and support struggling sectors in Glasgow.