Black performance artists and event promoters in London are reportedly facing significant discrimination during the licensing process. Charisse Beaumont, the CEO of Black Lives In Music (BLIM), presented this issue to members of the London Assembly at City Hall on September 4, 2024. Beaumont highlighted the inconsistencies in licensing decisions across various boroughs, stating that applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) event organizers are often met with skepticism.
As the Evening Standard reports, Beaumont described how BAME-led events regularly get canceled under the pretext of four key licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, promoting public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. "The word 'safety' always comes into effect," Beaumont explained. “Our events get canceled, just because they are Bollywood, jazz, drum & bass, or any genre that tends to attract a Black and Brown audience."
Beaumont also noted that venue owners and promoters sometimes resort to submitting "temporary event notices" to host events beyond 9:30 PM, further complicating the planning process. Furthermore, she claimed that the Metropolitan Police unfairly pressures venues to shut down events, particularly those organized by BAME groups. “[Large venues] have received calls from the police, saying, 'please, we think you shouldn't put on this event,'” Beaumont mentioned, illustrating the additional hurdles faced by smaller promoters.
In a troubling revelation, BLIM has found instances where BAME promoters have changed their names to more traditionally "white" names in hopes of securing the necessary licenses. The organization argues that the nightlife economy in London is not welcoming to BAME individuals.
The Metropolitan Police's chief licensing officer, Ian Graham, responded by asserting that the police prioritize safety and collaborate with venues to assess the landscape of London's nightlife. He encouraged event organizers to maintain open communication with law enforcement to address any concerns they may have.
As the debate over equitable access to London's vibrant nightlife continues, the challenges faced by BAME artists and promoters remain a substantial concern.