Black artists and promoters in London face nightlife licensing discrimination, say Black Lives in Music
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) have told the London Assembly that councils and police officers in the capital are following a “racist narrative” in their licensing decisions.
Charisse Beaumont, BLiM’s chief executive, made the claims while speaking at an inquiry into the state of London’s nightlife held by the Assembly’s economy, culture and skills committee on Wednesday (September 4).
Beaumont argued that Black and ethnic minority artists were disproportionately impacted by restrictions placed on their events by councils, resulting in a negative knock-on effect on London’s night economy.
“A lot of cancellation of events happen under four [licensing] objectives,” she told City Hall last week.
“Whether it’s ‘preventing crime and disorder’, ‘promoting public safety’, ‘preventing public nuisance’, or ‘protection of children from harm’… The word ‘safety’ always comes into effect,” she continued. “‘Are these events safe to put on?’ But safety, I would argue – and everyone will argue – is a racist narrative.
Beaumont also highlighted challenges faced by promoters and artists, including difficulties in securing gigs at venues, over-policing, and promoters losing event slots to larger corporations.
“Our events get cancelled – just because they’re a Bollywood event, or it could be jazz, or it could be drum and bass, it could be any genre that attracts a black and brown audience.”
She added: “It happens time and time again and it’s happening even today, where venue owners and promoters will have to fill out ‘temporary event notices’ just so they can put on an event after 9.30pm
“Sometimes the event might be a jazz ensemble, playing at a cultural hub and they would get rejected [by the local council]. But when you leave that cultural hub and walk down the road, the pub’s still open, playing the same music that they wouldn’t be allowed to play.
“This happens week to week, there’s cancellations of events happening up and down the country, particularly in London… and it’s not spoken about because there is a culture of silence. There is fear of promoters losing their licence or not being able to put on an event again.”
This follows a 2021 survey from Black Lives in Music where 86% of Black musicians reported experiencing barriers to progression in their careers. The organisation was formed in 2021 with the goal of empowering Black musicians and professionals in the music industry.
Beaumont also claimed the Metropolitan Police have unfairly pressured venues to shut down events unnecessarily.
Ian Graham, the Met’s chief licensing officer, responded to the claims, saying: “We want all Londoners to safely enjoy the wide range of night-time attractions the capital has to offer. That means we continue to target hotspot locations where violence takes place, using innovative tactics and high visibility patrols, as well as working closely with community groups.
“We also work closely with venues to better understand the landscape and diversity of London’s night-time economy and provide the support and guidance needed to keep people safe. We always encourage organisers of events to discuss with us any concerns or issues they identify.
“In circumstances where there has been an incident previously, we may consider a review of the premises’ licence. However, unless there are exceptional circumstances, we will always work with a venue first to discuss safety concerns and find solutions. This approach applies to all venues, styles and genres of music.”
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Laura Molloy
NME
