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UK Government pushes ticket levy to aid grassroots venues
November16
The UK Government has called on the live music sector to implement a voluntary levy on stadium and
The UK Government has called on the live music sector to implement a voluntary levy on stadium and arena ticket sales starting in 2025 to bolster grassroots music venues.
Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant (pictured) endorsed the recommendation from the Culture, Media, and Sport (CMS) Committee, emphasizing that such a levy could quickly redirect revenue from large-scale shows to support smaller venues.
Bryant highlighted the importance of clear communication from promoters, venues, and ticket vendors about the levy’s purpose and benefits, stressing that collaboration is essential to ensure the sustainability of grassroots venues, festivals, artists, and promoters.
He said, “While valuable steps have already been taken by artists such as Coldplay and Sam Fender, who are donating a portion of their upcoming tour revenues to support the grassroots sector, and by industry body LIVE which is establishing a charitable trust to distribute proceeds of a voluntary levy, there is still more to do."
"It is the government’s view that an industry-led levy within the price of a ticket would be the quickest and most effective way for a small portion of revenues from the biggest shows to be invested in a sustainable grassroots sector. This would help fans to access local music venues, provide even more performance opportunities for emerging talent and benefit the live music industry as a whole.
“The government will consider the implementation and effectiveness of a voluntary levy before determining whether further action is needed.”
The CMS Committee raised concerns about the declining number of grassroots venues, which dropped from 960 to 835 last year, resulting in the loss of up to 30,000 shows and 4,000 jobs.
The Music Venue Trust (MVT), which has long advocated for a £1 levy on major event tickets, praised the Government’s support.
Mark Davyd, CEO and founder said:
“We look forward to working with both industry and government to make this financial contribution a reality as soon as possible,” he said. “Industry-led investment will enable fans across the country to keep accessing the live music that they love whilst also ensuring the talent pipeline to the arena and stadium level is secure and growing. It is the perfect example of a win-win solution for all parties.”
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