LICENSING OF ENTERTAINMENT IN CHURCHES

Early day motion 208, tabled 27 November 2002 by John Whittingdale (Conservative). Signed by 99 members.

That this House expresses concern that the provisions of the Licensing Bill now before Parliament, requiring entertainment licences for all venues used for more than five public performances a year, will have a seriously adverse affect on functions held in churches, church halls and cathedrals; believes that it is bound to lead to the cancellation of vital fund-raising events at these venues because of the increased cost of acquiring the relevant licences and will deter churches from staging fund-raising and community activities such as concerts and even nativity plays with live music; and calls on the Government to reconsider this ill thought-out proposal.

Signatures by party: Conservative 73, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour 6, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.