I read this thread with interest and particular the carefully considered opinion of Shambles. Most of this was raised to no avail in the debate on the bill and by the Performers Lawyer Group.

I have written to Tony Blair, to the Home Secretary, the Culture Secretary, the Education Secretary and all their shadow ministers to no avail. I sometimes think I would have been better off peeing up the wall, (if I had a licence!).

My suggestion has been that the Minister, by Ministerial Order (no need for primary legislation or parliamnetary time) simply amends the list of regulated entertainment to remove the clause "live music" or if that is too bitter a pill to swallow, to amend it to read "amplied live music". That way there is control over volume but no issue for carol singing or any other traditional music.

I clearly lack influence. What about musicians writing to their MP (each and every one of them?) Not too much to ask methinks to save music making from this horror.

Incidentally the reason (jusification?) DCMS advanced for wanting to control music was on Police Advice that "live music usually resulted in trouble". Oh yes. The methodists might start bashing the Quakers over Hark the Herald Angels Sing?   I don't think so. In any event Politicians are supposed to decide on a higher plane than the Police operate on. They did so over 90 day detention without trial!

Canada sounds inviting!