Glasgow councillors have backed a new £1 levy on tickets for large-scale concerts in the city, aiming to raise funds for small music venues struggling to survive.
The levy would apply to events at the 12,000-capacity Ovo Hydro, which regularly hosts international stars.
With upcoming performances by Kylie Minogue, Sam Fender, and Peter Kay, the measure could generate £160,000 annually.
The motion, led by the Scottish Greens, received cross-party support and will now be further developed.
Green councillor Christy Mearns expressed delight at the decision, emphasizing the crucial role grassroots venues play in fostering emerging artists and sustaining local music culture.
The Music Venue Trust, which has advocated for such initiatives, reported that 125 UK venues stopped hosting live music in 2023, with half closing permanently due to rising costs.
Prominent acts like Coldplay and Sam Fender have already imposed voluntary levies on their tours to support smaller venues.
The UK government has endorsed a voluntary industry-led levy, set to take effect in 2025, with Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant calling for significant progress from the music industry by early next year.
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