Performances and celebrations, like all public gatherings, are regulated in the Law on Public Order (Ordningslagen, Swedish Code of Statutes 1993:1617). All public gatherings, such as performances, film viewings, festivals, markets, demonstrations, dance events, religious services etc. require permission from the police. Such permissions can be denied only when the public gathering is considered to threaten public order, or safety. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Law on Public Order has been used to prohibit all gatherings larger than eight people. In March 2020, the government published a statute relating to special regulations under the Law on Public Order during the pandemic (Swedish Code of Statutes 2020:114). In January 2021, a new temporary law was made with specific measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 (Swedish Code of Statutes 2021:861).
No specific legislation regulates the performing arts. Music is regulated by copyright legislation (see chapter 5.1.7). The Swedish Copyright Law (Swedish Code of Statutes1960:729, chapter 3a, sections §42a–f) grants users (such as broadcasters) of works the right to use all works under a single contract with The Swedish Performing Rights Society (STIM). The collected fees depend on the size of the audience, and are set by STIM. In order for a composer to have a share of the fees, STIM membership is required.
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