I agree with all this. The Minister responsible for Liquor Licensing James Parnell said he would be happy to be back in a year to confirm the better opportunities for live music! He said the PEL system had resulted in large costs and many conditions imposed by local authorities - the same body of course, entrusted by the Government with licensing responsbility for the lot!

Of course I am sceptical about the music tick box. If it is as straighforward as that why have it, but I fear this is the world we have to live in.

I notice recently a number of adverts placed by local authorities for licences for premises extending hours and adding "regulated entertainment" for pubs that have not previously had PELS. This is probably good news.   The same pubs are applying to extend their hours beyond midnight. Oddly a few are saying "regulated entertainment restricted to not more than 2 musicians" - back to the existing PEL exemption by voluntary action. How odd.