AGRICULTURAL show organisers have welcomed a pledge that they will not face new taxes to hold their events.

Licensing Minister Richard Caborn confirmed that county shows and agricultural events would not normally be subject to extra fees proposed under an overhaul of licensing laws.

Organisers had feared bills of between £5,000 and £50,000 levied on shows held in marquees, serving alcohol and attracting more than 6,000 people.

However, the Government stated last Friday that only large events which fell under the Licensing Act would pay the additional fee.

Activities affected include live music, dancing, the performance of a play and the sale of alcohol. While bars and public entertainment at agricultural shows will require a licence, it is unlikely that this would trigger the extra fee for the main event.

Bruce Wilson-North, director general of the Country Land and Business Association, said: "Indications that agricultural shows, such as traditional county shows and the CLA Game Fair, will not be subject to the charges is a great reassurance for the rural economy."

A Government consultation paper proposes that, from February 7 this year, local authorities will issue standard charges to cover their costs for inspections and health and safety checks on one-off and annual events on temporary sites attended by 6,000 or more people.

Mr Wilson-North added: "We now hope the Government will now look at making the fees, where they are imposed, fair and proportionate to the inspection services delivered by the local authorities.

"We calculated that, had the CLA Game Fair been liable, the fees due would have been the equivalent of 119 days' work for a three-day show. We welcome the fact that the Government is now listening to our concerns."