From NME · · 2m
New report shows racial bias in London music licensing
London's Black music events face higher licensing barriers than white events, report finds.
In brief
London's Black music events face higher licensing barriers than white events, report finds. Black and South Asian music events in London face disproportionate licensing cancellations and restrictions compared to white-led events, costing £127-141m annually. Originally reported by NME.
New report reveals racial bias in London music licensing
A new report shows racial bias in licensing against Black music events in London, urging government action to address systemic barriers.
REMEL Report highlights licensing disparities
The REMEL Report (Race Equality In Music Event Licensing) is the most comprehensive investigation into how licensing and policing affect Black and South Asian musicians in London.
Black events face higher cancellation rates
Black events face disproportionate cancellations, restrictions or shutdowns compared with white-led events of similar size, with little explanation given.
Licensing barriers impact economic outcomes
The economic impact of excluding Black and South Asian events is significant, with an estimated £127-141m lost annually in live music spend and £650m over five years.
Police obstruction without explanation
Police often block Black events without clear justification, citing area-wide crime statistics despite individual venues having clean safety records.
Black venues face financial strain
Black venues like the Colour Factory lost £55,000 after police suspended their license due to a single incident, causing staff redundancies.
Systemic barriers persist
The legacy of Form 696 continues to systematically target Black and South Asian events with punitive surveillance and heavy conditions.
High-risk genres face disproportionate scrutiny
Afrobeats, Hip Hop, R&B and Dancehall are flagged as 'high risk,' while Indie, Pop, and Rock face minimal scrutiny.
Media fuels racialized perceptions
Media frames Black events as 'mobs' or 'chaos,' shifting blame from institutions onto communities.
Diverse boroughs face higher barriers
London's most ethnically diverse boroughs see temporary event notices more likely to be refused for Black events.
Black promoters face financial losses
Black promoters often have events shut down with little or no explanation, leaving no path for accountability or appeal.
Systemic change urged
The report urges the UK government to implement licensing reforms to unlock the economic potential of Black and South Asian music in London.
The essence
Black and South Asian music events in London face disproportionate licensing cancellations and restrictions compared to white-led events, costing £127-141m annually.
