The Metropolitan police have just released a statement that Form 696, that has hindered performances in London from some of our best acts, has finally been removed.
The news comes after Sadiq Khan asked the Met to reconsider the form back in September after a meeting with some of London’s best artists, promoters and venues.
Following a special meeting of the London Music Board meeting in September – co-hosted by Amy Lamé the Night Czar, Justine Simons OBE Deputy Mayor for Culture, and Superintendent Roy Smith from the Met Police, the Met Police carried out a full review of the Form 696 risk assessment based on feedback from representatives of the music industry.
Superintendent Roy Smith released the following statement,
“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 form was introduced back in 2005 in response to shooting at club nights and gigs accross London, but for years has been disputed and hated by fans, performers and industry alike.
The police stated 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.”
The move is a win for the industry and music culture as a whole and we’re looking forward to even more shows from some of urban’s best acts.