Process for hosting events at unlicensed venues made simpler
The process for artists to host events in unlicensed venues has now become simpler, both bureaucratically and financially, after new regulations were announced yesterday by the government.
Speaking at a press conference at the Argotti Botanical Gardens in Floriana, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia said he had been in contact with members of the music sector regarding these changes as soon as he took office, and that these changes were a fulfilment of one of the government’s electoral proposals.
The previous situation, wherein one was tied down with a fee of €11,000 for insurance and a much larger bank guarantee for bigger events, were “a double edged sword, and were hindering artist’s work in expression”, Farrugia said.
With these amendments, the need for a bank guarantee for outdoor events in a zone which is smaller than 750 square metres has been removed, whilst in the case that the outdoor event is hosted in an area larger than this the bank guarantee has been halved, so that it is now €5,000. The bank guarantee is in force to make sure that the applicant abides by the laws and conditions that can be put into force by the Police Commissioner.
“With these changes, the regulations for permissions for temporary activities are being simplified, for these to not be a hindrance to for the professional work of artists especially those in the music sector. These amendments will help artists who are just starting out and do not have the financial strength to host events,” Farrugia said.
Minister Farrugia said that one must be prudent when it comes to the sound of these events and one must abide by the regulations set by the police, especially in residential areas.
In this regard, there are plans to install noise measuring devices in certain areas which will help police deal with such issues and act as a compromising factor between artists and residents. The key to such events, Farrugia said, is respect; respect on the parts of the artist, and the residents in the surrounding areas.
Arts Council Malta’s Executive Chairman Albert Marshall welcomed the change in regulations, which had been years in the making, and said that they removed “draconian” measures which were affecting the ability of artists to express themselves.
Marshall also said that the council was working in tandem with authorities in relation to noise levels in and around Pjazza Teatru Rjal, stating that they were working to reach a compromise between the expression of the artists performing in this theatre, and the comfort of the residents in that area.
Renowned DJ Joven Grech, known as Tenishia, meanwhile spoke of how he had campaigned for these changes to come into being. He said that the measures being put into force will serve as encouragement to up and coming DJs, and will help them move forward in their careers and make their dreams a reality.