Big big news for the Urban scene…
Metropolitan Police Service has a made a huge decision regarding Form 696. A London music board meeting was held back in September, involving Amy Lamé the Night Czar, Justine Simons OBE Deputy Mayor for Culture, and Superintendent Roy Smith from the Met. The form was then reviewed based on feedbacks from the industry representatives and has now been removed.
Form 696 was introduced in 2005, following several shootings at music shows across London. Since then, a number of serious incidents has been prevented through the cooperative relationship between the Met Police, club promoters and venue managers.
Whilst it’s true that Form 696 has helped in some cases, there’s no doubt that it prevented some of the UK Rappers from performing in London. The likes of 67, Giggs, J Hus and many others have all had their show locked off in the past, even though it was their main source of income.
You want them out of the streets but shut out their only form of income – shows that no doubt would be financially beneficial for them. Surely you can’t win both ways.
Thanks to the London music industry who raised their concerns regarding this issue and the fact that it only affects artists in the Urban scene.
Speaking on the matter, Superintendent Roy Smith, said: “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.”
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.”