Commenting on the Living Music Bill being approved by the House of Commons at Third Reading today, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Don Foster said:

"Private members' bills are rarely passed, and it's even rarer that they do so with the unanimous support of every MP as happened today.

"The current system has had a deadening effect on the performance of live music in small venues. At the moment, the landlord of a small pub could face a big fine and imprisonment for letting a customer play a piano without a licence.

"The support received this afternoon from all MPs from all political parties just goes to show how important live music is in our country and the overwhelming support for changing our obstructive licensing laws.

"We're now only one step away from the Bill becoming law and creating an even more vibrant and successful live music culture. This will benefit hundreds of small pubs, restaurants, schools, churches and community halls, and strengthen the British music scene immensely."

1. Changing Labour's draconian licensing laws to allow live music to be enjoyed in small venues without complicated licences was a Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment.

2. The Live Music Bill is a Private Members Bill, which was first proposed by Liberal Democrat peer, Lord (Tim) Clement-Jones. It now goes back to the House of Lords for final approval.

3. The Bill removes the need for a licence to play unamplified and amplified live music in cases where a few simple criteria are met. This will apply to most small venues, such as pubs and community halls.

4. In March 2011, the Government announced it would lend its support the Bill.