Tax hikes will ‘devastate’ London’s live music venues and raise ticket prices, warns O2 boss

Usher performs on stage at The O2 Arena - (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Usher)

New tax hikes are set to have a “devastating” impact on live music venues and will result in ticket price increases, fewer concerts and the closure of some venues, it has been warned.

From next April, large retail, hospitality and leisure properties are set to be hit by a business rates multiplier.