Lib Dems vow to save music venues

Liberal Democrats have passed the "Music Venues" policy motion at Autumn Conference in Bournemouth.

The new policy, which was introduced by our very own Beatrice Bass, Parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade, will protect music venues from closures through legislative changes, listing them as Assets of Community Value and providing more funding. The Liberal Democrats will be collaborating with existing organisations such as UK Music, the Music Venue Trust and the Arts Council.

Commenting on this commitment, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture Secretary Layla Moran said:

"Liberal Democrats are committed to supporting the creative industries. This is good news for all local areas that have a thriving music scene.

"Too many venues have been shut down over the years and we know how vital grassroots venues are in nurturing local talent. We will do anything we can to protect existing venues.

"We will ask local authorities to implement the Agent of Change principle in local planning law, so that landlords and developers have to provide soundproofing to keep developments next to existing venues noise free."

Beatrice Bass, who submitted the motion to Conference on Monday morning, added:

"I am absolutely delighted that Lib Dem members passed my policy motion to save our music venues. As a former professional musician I am deeply concerned that over 35% of music venues have been closed in the UK in the last decade.

"This policy will ensure that existing venues are protected so that young up-and-coming artists have the space and opportunity to develop into the Coldplays, Muses or Adeles of tomorrow. It demonstrates the Lib Dems' commitment to support the creative industries and our diverse music scene in the UK."