The government is facing defeat in the House of Lords today on the licensing of live music in small premises.

An amendment to exempt small premises from the bill's regulations will receive support from Liberal Democrat peers and others as the legislation passes through the upper house for the third and possibly final time.

Ministers plan to force all venues to apply for special entertainment licenses if they are to host live events.

Peers fear that the move could bring an end to the tradition of live music in many pubs because of the extra bureaucracy and costs involved.

Lib Dem Lord Redesdale will say that live music is important to all communities.

"This small events exemption for live music allows musical traditions to continue and flourish," he will add.

The government feels that safety considerations should be rigorously enforced and environmental factors taken into account.

But Redesdale will lead the charge against the bill with a call for a musical "renaissance".

"This exemption is about proportionate regulation for events that finish at a reasonable hour. It will bring about a real renaissance in live music in bars, restaurants and pubs," he will say.

"The benefit will also be felt in other places like hospitals, libraries, and community premises which will be able to host more live music on a regular basis.

"Fears over public safety and noise can be answered under existing separate legislation.

"The government claims that the Licensing Bill is a deregulating bill but its draconian regulation on the performance of live music seems to contradict this."