ALMOST 15,000 people have backed a petition against changes to the licensing law, which it is claimed will threaten the work of Scotland's artists, musicians and performers.
The boost to the campaign, which began vociferously in Glasgow, came as supporters rolled out their bid nationally against the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act, which comes into force on April 1.
They have warned it will leave performers, musicians artists facing a "patchwork quilt" of widely differing Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) rules and charges in each authority.
In Glasgow, renowned for its visual arts and music scene, the campaign is supported by figures such as Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos and the artist Alasdair Gray. The city council has suspended the law for six months, and will review the charges following a consultation.
City of Edinburgh Council and Highland Council will introduce licence charges even for free artistic events or exhibitions, with Dundee City Council as yet undecided.
Aberdeen City Council confirmed last night that art shows or exhibitions would not require a PEL.
"'Art exhibition' isn't one of the activities included by this Council as requiring a PEL," a spokesman said.
The law means some councils believe it requires them to introduce PEL charges for exhibitions or public shows, even if they are free.
Cultural Olympiad commissioned artist Craig Coulthard described the forthcoming legislation as "potentially devastating to grass-roots art and culture in Edinburgh and the rest of the country."
The Scottish Government maintain that the interpretation of the Act, about what events to charge and by how much, is up to each council's discretion.
l A public meeting to discuss the Act will be held at the Out of the Blue drill hall, 30-36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, on Thursday, between 7pm and 9pm.
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