Deadline set for music industry address proposed ticket levy to “save grassroots venues”

A deadline has been set for the music industry to respond to a voluntary ticket levy proposed by the UK government. 

Designed to prop up struggling grass roots venues, last month Creative Industries Minister Chris Bryant confirmed Downing Street backing for a £1 donation from stadium and large arena ticket sales to support smaller spaces.

Directly responding to a campaign launched in spring by Live Music Exchange (LIVE), Music Venue Trust and National Arenas Association, the plan currently hinges on major industry players being willing to contribute. Those asked to pay the levy now have until the end of the first quarter 2025 to engage with the request and deliver “tangible progress”. 

“We urge the live music industry, and in particular the biggest commercial players who will have the biggest impact on the success of an industry-led levy, to focus on driving swift progress,” Bryant said in an open letter published on 27th November. He also suggested household name bands could also offer support, citing Coldplay’s recent offer to donate 10% of the earnings from next year’s tour dates in London and Hull. 

Post-pandemic, small and independent venues for music and culture have been grappling with high energy bills, rocketing running costs and an unpredictable ticket sales landscape.

In January, Music Venue Trust confirmed more than one-third of grassroots spaces were operating at a loss, while the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) sounded further alarms in October by suggesting the current rate of closure could mean the last nightclub in the UK could shutter for good by the end of the decade. 

Although broadly welcomed by the industry, prior to Bryant’s announcement the government was criticised for ignoring the crisis. Meanwhile, October’s budget introduced a number of tax rises which commentators warn place the sector’s remaining financial stability at “immediate risk”.