Ladies and gentlemen. If you’ll gather round, we proudly present, Form 696.

This innocent looking Word document has caused a stir on the London music scene, where venues are now required to submit details of performers including real names, home addresses and private telephone numbers, plus the expected ethnic make-up of the audience. Failure to comply could mean the loss of a licence or even a fine and imprisonment.

According to The Independent, Police need this information to “pinpoint which acts and venues attract troublemakers, and make sure venues are safe”.

In theory, it applies to any licensed premises where there is live entertainment, but Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Martin, head of the Met’s pubs and vice squad, said that in reality it will apply only to performances likely to draw large crowds.

Feargal Sharkey has led the backlash against form 696, calling for a judicial review into whether a local authority has the right to make it a condition of a publican’s licence that they have to fill in Form 696. He also believes the form to be discriminatory:

Mr Sharkey has also complained to the Equality and Human Rights Commission that the police appear to be focusing on the music enjoyed by black and Asian teenagers. One of the questions on the form requires the licensee to specify the type of music that will be performed, giving as possible examples “Bashment, R’n'B, Garage”. Another question asks, “Is there a particular ethnic group attending?”

In a letter to Sir Ian Blair, the Met commissioner, Mr Sharkey said: “In explicitly singling out performances and musical styles favoured by the black community we believe the use of Risk Assessment Form 696 is disproportionate, unacceptable and damaging to live music.”

Setting to one side the privacy and discriminatory angles for a minute, the practicalities of this form are mind-boggling. What if performers refuse to give their personal details? What if there’s a last minute change on the bill - which as a former promoter, I know often happens! If trouble then breaks out at the venue, will the promoter be liable for supplying incorrect information?

Just when will this bureaucratic nonsense end?

Hat-tip to Alan Beddow, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Warwick & Leamington.