Sadiq Khan orders review of event risk form 696 for targeting grime events
Khan promises to look at the unfair use of form 696...
London's Mayor has spoken out against the Metropolitan Police's use of risk assessment Form 696, which many musicians and artists feel is being used unfairly to stifle London's grassroots grime and garage scenes.
Khan, who has thrown his support behind London's nighttime economy since being elected, has ordered a review into the use of the form, which mandates venues, promoters and artists hand over information about their event 14 days before it is scheduled to take place.
Where the controversy arrises are allegations that the Met is using the information gleaned from the form — including DJ names and aliases of MCs — to racially profile certain events related to grime and garage and stopping them from happening.
"It's vital that live music events can take place safely and that the Met can help venues to lessen the risk of violent behaviour," said Khan on his decision to request a review into the misuse of the form.
"But it shouldn't compromise the capital's vibrant grassroots music industry or unfairly target one community or music genre".
The review is expected to be completed sometime in 2018.
