Proposals for events of up to 5,000 people to be completely unlicensed could “legalise raves”.
Concerns have been expressed by both Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police over a Government plan to give free rein to live events with audiences that would fill the Albert Hall.
Under current legislation anyone wanting to organise an event such as a concert, dance event, performance or sporting event must apply to the council.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport wants to change this to deregulate any event for under 5,000 people.
Exceptions would include any type of sexual entertainment, boxing or wrestling.
Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police have called on the Government to lower the limit to 500 and include cage fighting in the restrictions.
Sussex Police licence manager Jean Irving Tweeted her concerns about the move, saying: “In short-DCMS are consulting on removal of need to licence live entertainment for less than 4,999. Yes 4,999. Legalise raves?”
The capacity would be almost equal to the number allowed to stand for an event at the Brighton Centre.
Sergeant Malcolm Wauchope, a licensing officer in Brighton, said he was amazed the proposals were being taken seriously.
He described the “nightmare scenario” if a rave was organised at the Hippodrome in Middle Street, Brighton.
He said: “The capacity is well over 2,000. Theoretically someone could open the doors, not bother to apply for an alcohol or late night refreshment licence and host dance led events with recorded music all night if they wanted with no need for a licence or contact with any interested party."
Councillor Lizzie Deane, chair of the licensing committee, said: “Unlicensed events with such large crowds would almost inevitably lead to increased noise levels and public safety issues."
A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said it was consulting on the proposals and would take into account the council and police responses.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel