To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for her assessment of the impact, on artists and entertainment venues, of the reintroduction of entertainment licence fees by some councils; and (ii) to outline any support she is planning to provide artists and venues in these areas.

In response to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the hospitality industry, last year I introduced a temporary nominal fee of £1 for renewal applications for all categories of entertainment licence for the duration of the 2021/2022 financial year.

Earlier this year, following consultation with the councils, I decided to continue with this measure for the 2022/2023 financial year, again subject to review.