Police in London have announced that the controversial Form 696 will be scrapped. The risk assessment form, which promoters of live music events were forced to fill out ahead of shows, had been accused of negatively affecting rap, grime, and R&B artists.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the news on Friday following a review decided upon after a meeting with artists, venues, and promoters in September. The police force said it would use a new "voluntary partnership approach" going forwards.
"“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," Khan said in a statement.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Form 696 has been scrapped. This decision will help London’s night-time economy thrive & shows #LondonIsOpen to music artists & DJs.https://t.co/WQxNiZkFTw pic.twitter.com/25YdwK6z8f
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 10, 2017
Grime artists have historically complained that they have been targeted by the authorities since Form 696 was originally introduced in 2005. Giggs had a 2010 live tour cancelled following police advice. In 2016 he said he still faces "so much nonsense" to book shows. JME, meanwhile, looked into the process for a documentary in 2014.