Report alleges racial disparities in London event licensing

A report by Black Lives in Music says racial disparities in London’s event-licensing system are contributing to disproportionate cancellations and restrictions on Black and South Asian music events, costing the city an estimated £127 million to £141 million each year. The Race Equality in Music Event Licensing report, known as REMEL, estimates that cancellations, displaced events and events prevented from taking place could account for more than £650 million in losses over five years. Those figures are estimates presented by the report, which draws on a two-year investigation; the published accounts do not independently establish the underlying cancellation patterns or calculations. The report says Black and South Asian promoters face licensing barriers more often than white-led events of comparable scale. It describes genres including Afrobeats, drill and dancehall as being labelled high risk, and says promoters have reported cancellations with little explanation, stringent restrictions and difficulty challenging decisions. The report also identifies reggae events, jazz nights and community gatherings as facing additional scrutiny.