Bristol Council moots ticket levy to support artists

Politicians in Bristol are considering introducing a ticket levy to support the local music sector, it has been announced.

Bristol City Council said it is exploring how best to support the local music sector in a difficult economy and has put the idea of a levy on tickets out to public consultation.

"This creative sector faces barriers including rising costs for venues, lower audience spending due to cost-of-living pressures, and lack of support for emerging and grassroots performers," the council said.

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The proposed levy would feed into a "self-sustaining music fund" to support local music venues, events, and artists. 

"This initiative proposes a nominal addition of 1-3% to the ticket price of all music events in the city and would apply across diverse venues such as concert halls, nightclubs, music venues, and even bars," the council added.

Last month, a report by the cross-party Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee called for a levy on arena and stadium tickets to be introduced to support grassroots music venues struggling with rising costs.

It has said, given the urgency of the crisis, a voluntary levy on arena and stadium concert tickets would be the most feasible way to have an immediate impact,

The committee added that if no agreement has been reached by September or if the proposed scheme fails to collect enough income to support the sector, the government should introduce a statutory levy.