The UK’s freelance musicians say that the country’s heavily monitored licensing practices are making it difficult for them to earn a living. “Under the act, the maximum penalty for the unlicensed provision of even one musician is a £20,000 fine and a six month prison sentence. Critics claim fringe musicians such as jazz and folk artists, who were the main beneficiaries under the rule, are losing gigs because small venues are abandoning informal live music events to avoid the trouble and expense of getting a licence.”