Leadership / 02.27.20

See EU Later: Is Brexit a Touring Castastrophe or Just the Next Millennium Bug?

Access Staff

Pollstar (02/23/20) Gottfried, Gideon

All Arts Tax Advisers' Dick Molenaar and Louise Smit with trucking company Pieter Smit consider the potential ramifications of Britain's divorce from the European Union for the live touring industry. The post-Brexit shipping of goods like band equipment and stage production between the United Kingdom and Europe will likely be unaffected, while Molenaar says the unresolved visa situation should eventually conclude with unilateral acceptance of short-term visits without visa requirements. It is probable that U.K. nationals will be treated the same as nationals from some 60 non-European countries, who are currently excused from any visa obligations in Europe for a stay of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days annually. However, some kind of working permit for musicians and crew performing across Europe may become necessary. The U.K. government acknowledged several professions in the touring industry with heavy reliance on freelancers, and declared that "they will continue to be able to enter the U.K. under the innovator route and will in due course be able to benefit from the proposed unsponsored route." Molenaar and Smit concur that crossing the border with equipment will most likely require filling out paperwork, or carnets, which U.K. promoters have long used in other markets. Molenaar also suspects that up-and-coming artists will have much difficulty with post-Brexit touring, as they are not likely to afford additional costs for permits, visas and carnets, or may lack the manpower to clear such bureaucratic obstacles.

Read the full story from Pollstar. 

Tags: Regulations , News