Why book with an entertainment agency?
Venues Booking Direct...BEWARE!!
Recognised trade associations in the entertainment industry are aware of the social media explosion and whilst they are recommending their members to embrace and utilise the facilities, they would also like to highlight the pitfalls to hirers who have or are considering booking artistes direct. Things are not as simple as they seem:

This report has reached a leading trade association from a member agent:
The agent has had experience of arranging bookings at a major hotel for many years in Eastbourne. This hotel, over a period of several years, booked several acts direct & paid from petty cash. 

The Hotel was unable to confirm to HM Revenue & Customs, the real names and addresses of acts / bands booked as many acts / bands had given false names to secure payment. 

As a result, this venue was liable to Tax equating to 25% of each booking that they could not account for dating back six years plus 25% penalty amounting to £250,000 in total.

All venues/hirers booking acts directly are required to comply with Section 16 of Taxes Management Act 1970. http://www.taxwriter.co.uk/writing/pdfs/Section16.pdf Failure to supply information as required is a criminal offence.

Under The Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, Entertainment Agencies are legally bound to keep this information for venues that they book.

If that hotel had used an entertainment agency that was recognised as part of a trade body, none of the above would apply to the hotel...

Buyer beware - Is the artist giving you all the legally required documentation and paperwork?

Crackdown over Cyber Scams
The Government is investing £4.3 million to focus on fake products, ticket scams and traders hiding their identity to avoid giving consumer redress. This also applies to agents, some existing only on social networking sites with a mobile number, false email address and no trading address.
Details from: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Child Performer Licensing laws
These are due to be overhauled in an attempt to achieve parity between the regions. Details from www.bit.ly/childperformers

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. Details from: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/eas/about-us

Complaints
Complaints can be made to Direct.gov complaints page

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) and The National Entertainment Agents Council (NEAC). We are longstanding members of both organisations.
These organisations regularly advise the government department responsible for policing this regulation of agents in each area that they believe are breaking the law.
At present, they have advised the inspectors of at least 65 agencies in Wales alone who are committing offences.

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!!