Metropolitan Police Form 696 withdrawn

The Metropolitan Police Promotion Event Risk Assessment Form 696 has been withdrawn.

In September, London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, called for a review of Form 696 because of concerns raised by promoters and artists that it was unfairly affecting specific communities and music genres.

Form 696 was originally introduced in 2005 in response to a number of shootings at promoted club nights across London. It was stated on the face of the form that it was “designed to allow the management of licence premises, promoters of music events, security and the police to work in partnership to identify and minimise any risk of most serious violent crime happening at the proposed event. Should areas of concern be identified the police intention is to work together to identify a Risk Management Plan to enable the event to proceed with minimum risk of most serious violent crime”.

You can download below the Metropolitan Police confirmation of withdrawal of Form 696 “Decision made following consultation regarding Form 696”, in which it is announced that in its place a new voluntary partnership approach for venues and promoters across London will be adopted that: “will provide an excellent opportunity to share information at a local level and work to identify any enhanced risk to ensure the safety of the public.” This has been welcomed by the Mayor who is quoted as saying: “This decision will help London’s night-time economy thrive, ensure the capital is a welcoming place for artists and DJs of all music genres and that Londoners are able to enjoy live music safely.”

It has been acknowledged that withdrawal of the form raises questions in relation to Licensing Act 2003 premises licence conditions requiring use of the form, and in this respect the Metropolitan Police announcement states: “The Met will be working with colleagues from local authorities to understand the implication of this decision on venues which have the use of Form 696 as a condition on their premises licence as well as the impact on existing local licensing policies.”