Apart from concerns about football holigans, and the fact that Howells and co decided wide screen events did not need a licensing (owing to the "Murdoch" factor no doubt), I understand that the Licensing Act 2003 has been put back again to January 2005 to commence. I also understand, thought this would no doubt be denied, that there is a wide split between DCMS and the Home Office on this Act and some sections of Government wish the thing had never been started. The Home Office concern is that 24 hour drinking will bring 24 hour disorder, not as stated by DCMS. Still as we all know, the Association of Chief Constables (ACPO) stated that live music is often accompanied by violence!.   Last week I attended a music concert in a local cathederal - A Bach festival played on period instruments. The tension in the audience was obvious as the Lord Mayor and the Local Council Chief Executive could have come to blows over a cadenza!

Later in the weekend, a concert given by John Mayor and Hilary James gave rise to great tensions in a village hall - one man almost caused an explosion opening an over lively can of coke - no sign of the police!

In contrast the following did not need a licence :-

"A total of 83 arrests were made across the country as angry fans went on the rampage after England's dramatic Euro 2004 loss to France.

Police officers were attacked with bricks and bottles as a surge of violence erupted following French captain Zinedine Zidane's late double strike.

Serious disturbances broke out in Croydon, south London, a number of towns in Hertfordshire, Wakefield in West Yorkshire and Boston in Lincolnshire.

As many as 400 people were involved in disturbances in Croydon town centre as 12 people were arrested."

Hmmmm