Government ministers back £1 ticket levy for stadiums and arenas in the UK

The UK's Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant has called on the live music industry to introduce a voluntary £1 ticket levy for stadiums and arena shows.

The proposal, published today, comes in response to a report by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on grassroots music venues — recommending a levy that would go towards a fund to help protect and support grassroots music venues, artists, festivals and promoters.

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Ministers expect the industry to take its recommendations on board as soon as possible for concerts in 2025, with its purpose clearly communicated to fans.

“It is the government’s view that an industry-led levy within the price of a ticket would be the quickest and most effective way for a small portion of revenues from the biggest shows to be invested in a sustainable grassroots sector,” reads a press release.

“This would help fans to access local music venues, provide even more performance opportunities for emerging talent and benefit the live music industry as a whole.”

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It goes on to explain that many of Britain’s most successful artists began their careers at grassroots venues, and that the sector is the “backbone” of the UK’s £6.7 billion music industry, providing jobs and opportunities, and supporting local economies.

“Grassroots music venues are one of the UK’s most valuable and yet undervalued cultural assets,” says Bryant.

“They are where bands try out new material, where whole new genres are born, where musicians experiment and where audiences get to experience the raw power of live music.”

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“Without a flourishing grassroots music industry the rest of our music industry will wither.”

The government’s response also mentions artists, such as Coldplay and Sam Fender, who have been donating a portion of their tour revenue to support the grassroots sector — and the industry body LIVE, who has already established a voluntary levy.

However, it says that industry-wide action must be taken, and, once this has been done, the government will assess whether further measures are needed.

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In response to the news, Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association has said: “The CMS Committee’s report is a vital step in recognizing and addressing the immense pressures on grassroots music venues across the UK. We welcome their support for a levy on arena and stadium tickets, alongside a VAT reduction, as immediate actions to stabilize this critical part of the music ecosystem."

"However, it is crucial that this approach remains ecosystem-led, considering the broader spectrum of creatives, technicians, and professionals who make up the live music sector.

"We must ensure these measures benefit not just the venues but also the full range of associated creatives and support roles that underpin the industry," he adds.

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The ticket levy was initially proposed to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by a panel of representatives from Live Music Exchange (LIVE), Music Venue Trust and National Arenas Association at a meeting in March this year highlighting the pressure that the grassroots industry is under.

Last year, grassroots music venues their “most challenging year”, with 125 saying that they were forced to stop running live music events and half of those having to close down entirely.

Earlier this week, Bristol’s Night Time Economy Advisor Carly Heath announced plans to implement a £1 ticket levy across the city.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram