GLASGOW councillors have backed the introduction of a ticket levy on gigs at the city’s Hydro arena in order to support small venues.
The motion, tabled by Green councillor Christy Mearns, was voted on at a full council meeting on Thursday.
It was passed with cross-party support, meaning the council will now look to move forward with the plan for a “stadium levy”.
Glasgow’s OVO Hydro has a maximum capacity of more than 14,000 people, meaning a £1 ticket levy on each gig could raise hundreds of thousands per year.
Speaking in favour of the motion at council, the SNP’s Graham Campbell said it could see the top of the music industry support the breakthrough talent of tomorrow – drawing a comparison with football.
Mearns said: “I am delighted to have received cross-party support for the motion today, which will move forward a plan for a Stadium Levy to be implemented in Glasgow.
“This could help to raise much-needed revenue for Glasgow’s grassroots venues which are under threat, yet which are absolutely vital to our city’s musical success, national economy and citizens’ well-being.
“Grassroots venues support new artists to hone their craft, develop followings and nurture local subcultures; without them it’s very possible we wouldn’t have many of the big names who started out in exactly these spaces.”
She added: “The Night Time Industries Association has recently issued a stark warning that all nightclubs could be lost by 2030 without wide and concerted efforts.
“I am pleased that Glasgow can hopefully lead the way in actually making this levy happen.”
