Britannia Panopticon is saddened to hear that as of 1st April 2012, Glasgow City Council will be changing their 'Entertainments' License, to include all free events, including Exhibitions.

After this date, all proposed public exhibitions, regardless of scale, will need to submit a tedious application along with a hefty fee, 6 weeks prior to the date, as well as public notification, 6 sets of lay out plans, and will involve consultation with Strathclyde police, Strathclyde Fire Brigade, Building Control, Environmental Health, local councillors, local community councils, and local area management committees.

UPDATE  (24/02/12)

The Council are suspending the original plans for six months and will be consulting with various bodies to discuss the plans and come up with solutions that both comply with government plans and that support the art scene in Glasgow.  The Britannia Panopticon welcomes this move and sees it as a step in the right direction.  We will continue to monitor the developments from the council and act accordingly. 

Click here for a statement from the council.

Other Links

http://www.change.org/petitions/the-scottish-government-scrap-public-entertainment-licence-fees
This is the petition against the new legislation affecting Glasgow's Art scene.
 
https://www.facebook.com/events/292474694148218/
This link has details of the public meeting to campaign against the licence fee.  Takes place Saturday 18th February.

http://forpetessakeglasgow.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/opinion-glasgows-tax-on-creativity/
Another article from someone who is not so happy about the change in laws.

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/57F0A7CC-ADC8-4798-BC8B-9E7A5C97F9F0/0/BriefingNotePEL.pdf
The actual briefing note from the council.