London Music Licensing Report Finds Racial Bias Against Black-Led Events
According to a report from the Greater London Authority, Black-led music events in London encounter significant limitations and cancellations attributed to "racial bias" in both licensing and policing. The Race Equality in Music Event Licensing (REMEL) report, produced by Black Lives in Music, indicates that events organized by Black individuals face more obstacles compared to those led by white individuals, with South Asian-led events also experiencing similar challenges. Genres such as hip-hop and Afrobeats are classified as "high risk," whereas indie and pop genres receive less scrutiny. The report proposes 19 recommendations aimed at creating a more equitable licensing framework. Supported by the Musicians' Union and others, Dr. Hakeem Stevens highlighted that these issues have historical roots dating back to the early 1900s. Metropolitan Police commander Neerav Patel affirmed that the findings will be reviewed by the force.
Key facts
- The Race Equality in Music Event Licensing (REMEL) report was commissioned by the Greater London Authority and carried out by Black Lives in Music.
- Black-led music events in London were blocked at higher rates than white-led events, and South Asian-led events also faced restrictions.
- Genres including Afrobeats, hip-hop, drill, R&B and dancehall were routinely flagged as 'high risk', while indie, pop and rock nights faced less scrutiny.
- The report set out 19 recommendations, including a review of the licensing system, transparent evidence standards, and cultural impact assessments for major licensing decisions.
- Dr Hakeem Stevens, report co-author and lead researcher, said the issues date back approximately 100 years, to the early 1900s.
- The legacy of Form 696, a Metropolitan Police risk assessment scrapped in 2017, was discussed in the report.
- Kwame Otiende, owner of The Jago in Dalston and chairman of Hackney Council's Licensing Committee, said the report evidences what was 'always known'.
- Metropolitan Police commander Neerav Patel said the force would 'carefully consider the report's findings'.
Entities
Artists
- Charisse Beaumont
- Cameron Leslie
- Hakeem Stevens
- Kwame Otiende
- Michael Kill
- Neerav Patel
Institutions
- Black Lives in Music
- Greater London Authority
- London Nightlife Taskforce
- Metropolitan Police
- London Councils
- Musicians' Union
- UK Music
- Music Venue Trust
- Night Time Industries Association
- LIVE trust
- The Jago
- Hackney Council
- BBC Radio London
- BBC London
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Dalston
- England