The widespread use - and abuse - of 696 forms came to light at a recent Culture Select committee hearing, where they were criticised by UK Music CEO Feargal Sharkey and MU general secretary John Smith.

Form 696 compels licensees who wish to hold live music events in 21 London boroughs to report to the police the names, addresses, aliases and telephone numbers of performers, and most worryingly, the likely ethnicity of their audience.

Failure to comply could result in ...