REMEL Report Exposes Racial Bias in London's Music Event Licensing

A UK research project called REMEL (Race Equality In Music Event Licensing) published its findings on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — the most comprehensive investigation to date into how licensing and policing in London affect Black and South Asian musicians, promoters and venues. According to NME, the report found that Black-led music events face disproportionate cancellation, restriction and closure compared with similarly sized white-led events, most often without explanation or a clear path to appeal.

What the report found

The two-year study was led by a REMEL steering group that included the Greater London Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service, UK Music, LIVE, the Musicians' Union, and a network of promoters, artists, venue operators and community representatives. Methods included surveys, in-depth interviews, focus groups, industry workshops, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and analysis of licensing data.

The report states that events held in London's most ethnically diverse boroughs were blocked or challenged by police at far higher rates than elsewhere. It calls on the UK government to help unlock what it describes as the