Copyright 2024 - Rev: 22 /11/24
Hawthorn Entertainment Ltd
Ground Floor, Nathaniel House,
Bridgend Industrial Estate,
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News
This page will feature legislation that affects us all in the entertainment business
Artist news, Television news, Showcase news and more will be covered in our
sister site Hawthorn News
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKERS AND AGENTS
Entertainment Licensing
Amendments to the current Act came into force of 6th April 2015.
Click here for details
Beware regarding use of the name Motown
There is currently an issue about any unlicensed use of the name Motown.
Theatre producers, agents and acts alike are receiving letters from the Universal
Music Group’s legal department giving them 14 days to stop using the name in
any form whatsoever, including the name of an Act, Show, Production or
description, and to remove all references of the name from all and every type of
documentation, advertising and media.Universal Music Group is the largest music
company in the world and they mean business.
As a Past President of The Agents Association (Great Britain) Ltd with vast
experience in this field said ‘this is not just ‘Cease and Desist’ it is ‘Stop Now’.
Click on this link to an article in The Stage & Television Today
Legislation
We received this guidance on the employment agencies act from a trade
organisation a few years ago. It answers many of the questions that bookers may
ask regarding Employment Agencies legislation.
Feel free to download this pdf guide
Child Performer Licensing laws
These are due to be overhauled in an attempt to achieve parity between the
regions. Click here for details
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate: Rogue Agents
There are many new agents setting up with no regard for the law. The
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, who monitor these agents, has
published their mission enforcement policy statement. Click here for details
DTI Regulations
URGENT TO ALL AGENTS / HIRERS / VENUES / CLIENTS
New regulations came into force on Tuesday 6th April 2004
It is imperative that you are aware to the changes to the legislation which will
affect all AGENTS / HIRERS / VENUES & CLIENTS.
All agents MUST ensure that they have a copy of the Statutory instrument 2003
No. 3319 The Conduct of Employment Agencies and
Employment Business Regulations 2003
The Regulations can be viewed on this link
Produced in conjunction with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation and
Equity, this guidance (159Kb) provides information on The Conduct of
Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
All venues and clients are advised to ensure that agents that they deal with
comply with the regulations to protect them from possible legal action against
them. Agents that comply are usually those who have taken the trouble to join
trade associations such as The Agents Association (Great Britain Ltd of which
Neville Williams FEAA is a fellow member). These organisations regularly advise
the government department responsible for policing this regulation of agents in
each area that they believe are breaking the law.
When the new regulations were introduced, they had advised the inspectors of at
least 65 agencies in Wales alone who were committing offences, the number is
now well into the hundreds!
Penalties for agents or persons trading as agents that do not comply with
this legislation
Up to £5000 fine per incident and up to 10 years ban from running an agency. The
advice Agency Standards to agents is: Comply or shut immediately!!
ADVICE AND NEWS FOR VENUES AND ARTISTS
PAT testing is not a legal requirement, just a wise precaution
Click on this link
Guidance on electrical safety for entertainers
Download file
Equity and their relationships with agents
Have a look at Equity’s article about its relationship with agents. We are
Fellow members (Neville Williams FEAA) of The Agents Association (Great
Britain) Ltd.
Social Media – think before you post!
Following a spate of recent offensive comments on social networking sites
regarding venues, clients, agents and entertainers, we have been asked what
recourse do the targets of these posts have. In answer to Can I be sued? Make
your own mind up by clicking on this link.
Wedding and Event Venues have been warned that large deposits and hefty
cancellation charges may breach consumer law. Details from The Competition
and Markets Authority.
Intellectual Property Office: warn of ‘renewal reminders’ from a private
company calling itself ‘Intellectual Property Office’. Avoid at all costs – this
company has been reported to the police.