If any good is to come from the closure of Buffalo, then maybe it will be to highlight that music venues find themselves threatened by more than just bullying developers and NIMBY wankers who've just moved in. A severe hike in business rates was cited as the prime reason for its demise, and it seems manifestly unfair that music venues are not eligible for discounted rates, whereas pubs and bars are.
Thankfully, the Music Venue Trust have teamed up with UK Music to challenge the discriminatory nature of the current regulations. The fact that the success of the campaign hinges on Philip Hammond and the Tories seeing sense doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. However, if the campaign's objectives are achieved, then it will be a vital boost to the beleaguered folk who provide a platform (quite literally) for grassroots music.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
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