The following from Hamish Birchall http://www.livemusicforum.co.uk/

The Local Government Association has been forced to apologise for suggesting 
that UK Music '... formed part of a consensus on the licensing of live 
music', and has removed the claim by LGA Culture Committee Chairperson Chris 
White that 80% of alcohol-licensed premises are licensed for live music.

A statement just published on the LGA website reads:

'UK Music, the representative body for the commercial music industry, has 
asked us to clarify that we were wrong to suggest in our article ('Striking 
the right note', first 430, 18 July 2009) that they formed part of a 
consensus on the licensing of live music. We are happy to clarify that UK 
Music is not involved in the informal working party. They wish to clarify 
their belief that a permanent solution to the damaging impact of the 
Licensing Act on live music will only be achievable via a revision of the 
legislation. We are sorry for giving a misleading impression of UK Music's 
official position.'
See: http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=2765113

The article's references to UK Music have now been removed, although there 
is no indication on the piece itself that any changes have been made: 
http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=2413947

Chris White's original quote read:

'Live music can support pubs and restaurants, and local communities, and it 
adds greatly to the character of a local area. Around 80% of premises where 
alcohol is sold are already licensed to put on live music, and many do so 
with great success. But musicians have found that some premises have not got 
a live music licence yet. This is where councils can help, via the new minor 
variations process.  We want to make it as easy as possible for venues to 
put on live music, while retaining the common sense and partnership approach 
to regulation that we have in the Licensing Act. Working closely with the MU 
and BBPA gives councils a fantastic opportunity to tell a positive story 
about live music."

The newly revised quote reads:

"Live music can support pubs and restaurants, and local communities, and it 
adds greatly to the character of a local area.  We want to make it as easy 
as possible for venues to put on live music, while retaining the common 
sense and partnership approach to regulation that we have in the Licensing 
Act. Working closely with the MU and BBPA gives councils a fantastic 
opportunity to tell a positive story about live music."

ENDS