To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 15127/17-22, to detail (i) the legal status of live music performances; and (ii) the current rules and guidance on music performances.

Under the current regulations live music is not permitted for licensed or unlicensed premises.

Mitigations are in place to support premises to adhere to the public health advice which recommends keeping noise levels low, to prevent shouting and singing and allow conversations to take place in a socially distanced way. These measures allow premises to reopen safely and reduce the risk of transmission.

As part of a package of relaxations announced by the Executive on 13 May, from 24 May outdoor gatherings with no more than 500 people, or capped at a lower number according to the risk assessment, can now take place. This includes any outdoors event, including concerts, but no food or drink may be served.

To determine maximum number that can attend, the organiser must have carried out a risk assessment. Outdoor gatherings of 30 people or fewer do not require a risk assessment. The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide a copy of the risk assessment and an account of the reasonable measures taken.

Information on the current COVID-19 Regulations and what they mean can be found on nidirect at:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

The next review of the restrictions will take place on 10 June.