The Met Police Have Officially Put An End To Form 696

The Met Police Have Officially Put An End To Form 696


November 10, 2017

The infamous Form 696, a controversial document required for live music events in London that has made it difficult for people of colour to put on gigs and club nights, has officially been removed. Today, the Metropolitan police have released a statement to say the form would be scrapped after Sadiq Khan made a public plea to the police, with the backing of huge sections of the music industry, back in September.

A meeting was held by the London Music Board that month, which was co-hosted by Night Czar Amy Lamé, Deputy Mayor for Culture Justine Simons OBE and Superintendent Roy Smith of the Met Police. After that meeting, the Met vowed to review the risk assessment form, though few believed anything would come of it.

Still, the form's been scrapped now so hopefully we'll see an exponential rise in promoters, artists, venue owners and DJs of colour all applying for event licences.

Superintendent Roy Smith commented:

"It is clear that in recent years the landscape of the night time economy in London has changed and thankfully we have seen a reduction in serious incidents at promoted music events, particularly those involving firearms. We have also been working in close partnership with the music industry and others to raise standards of safety in venues and at events.

"We have taken the decision to remove the Form 696 and instead develop a new voluntary partnership approach for venues and promoters across London. This will provide an excellent opportunity to share information at a local level and work to identify any enhanced risk to ensure the safety of the public."

The police commented on their website, "we also recognise recent concerns raised by members of the London music industry, particularly around a perception that events associated with some genres of music were disproportionately affected by this process."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

"Developing a night-time economy that works for everyone is a key priority of mine but it's also vital that live music events in London take place safely. I called for a review of Form 696 earlier this year because of concerns raised by promoters and artists in the capital that this process was unfairly affecting specific communities and music genres. By bringing together the Met and representatives from across the city's legendary grassroots music industry, we have shown why having a Night Czar is so important for London. 

"This decision will help London's night-time economy thrive, ensure the capital is a welcoming place for artists and DJs of all music genres and that Londoners are able to enjoy live music safely."


Words: James Keith


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