PERFORMERS claim draconian measures could lead to the death of live music in pubs in the Scottish capital.
Campaigners said live music is under threat because of red-tape after venues were hit with licensing restrictions by Edinburgh City Council over noise.
A number of pubs and clubs in the Scottish capital have raised concerns with the council, with claims that in some cases just one complaint from a neighbour can threaten a long-standing music licence.
The Barony on Broughton Street only recently got one of its popular live nights back up and running after a licensing wrangle, with some reduced hours, while the Pear Tree in the South Side has also joined the campaign group Keep Music Live Edinburgh.
Ian Pettigrew, a part time musician who plays around 150 gigs in Edinburgh a year and campaign group member, said he has been in one pub where officials have entered and called for the music to be turned off.
He said: "We are waiting to see exactly what the council's working group will come up with.
"I was playing in a pub and was moved to a less optimum part of the bar because of a neighbour over the road."
The council has moved to address the problem but the campaigners say the authority's zero tolerance approach, which they claim is the only area in Scotland with such restrictions, is costing them business.
A taskforce made up of industry professionals and council officials from the culture, planning licensing departments has been set up as a first step.
The working group will report back in spring on the council position, whether it is "unique or in line with other local authorities, the problems with it, and ideas for improving it".
A council source said the working group "won't be able to change the law, but it might be able to work out a new and better way of implementing it".
Norma Austin Hart, Vice Convener for Culture and Sport, said: "Many venue owners and musicians feel that the council's current policy on noise levels can be a barrier to the development of Edinburgh's music scene.
"To tackle this, we will specifically look at the current rules, and how these rules impact entertainment venues and residents."
It is understood the council is also considering the model in force in Australia and backed by music industry that would mean homes built next to existing venues will be made to take responsibility for soundproofing.
Under the proposal, if a new venue opens in residential areas, it will have to address the problem.
Currently, the business or person making the noise is always required to tackle the issue.
John Stout, promoter at Regular Music, said earlier: "The contribution that these (live music) events make to the local economy and towards making Edinburgh a cosmopolitan city cannot be underestimated.
"It will be interesting to see what the council's next steps will be."
A spokeswoman for Edinburgh City Council, said: "From our Live Music Matters review we know musicians and live music venue owners have strong perceptions around the council noise licensing.
"That is why we have now set up a working group, called Music Is Audible, to look into how we as a council implement noise controls and complaints, and how we could do things differently.
"There will be a lot discussed and action taken over the next few months, but the debate is still open and we welcome feedback from everyone interested of affected."
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