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Country shows will escape big licensing charges
Jan 18 2005
By Staff Reporter, Birmingham Post
Country shows and agricultural events will not face huge charges proposed under new licensing laws, the Government has said.
Licensing Minister Richard Caborn has reassured business leaders that shows will not pay a new levy of up to £50,000 for safety checks.
The move has been welcomed by the Country Land and Business Association which voiced concern last week that many shows, including its own Game Fair in Oxfordshire, were under threat as a result of the new tax.
Mr Caborn met representatives of the CLA and confirmed that most activities at agricultural shows, along with flower shows and outdoor sports events, should not be subject to the charges.
Officials at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport anticipate that while bars and public entertainment at agricultural shows may need a licence, they are unlikely to attract any additional fee.
Mr Caborn said: "Alcohol, music and dancing are some of the activities which fall under the Licensing Act and will be subject to the fees.
"However, most outdoor sports, flower shows and most of what goes on at an agricultural show should not.
"We value agricultural events, music festivals and rural shows - they are an integral part of our culture and we want them to thrive."
The Government proposes that from February 7, local authorities will issue standard charges to cover their costs for inspections and health and safety checks on one-off and annual events on temporary sites attended by more than 6,000 people.
