Sheffield City Council regard the singing and (playing on the piano)of carols as part of a religious service when taking place at Xmas time.

Yes - I have attended many such religious services in pubs.

I and others could try that one with our councils. I very much doubt if they would consider it. My council might - if this religious service involved pool tables and dart boards.

I wonder - if it were challenged - if any court would agree with the officers of your council that the legisation was being correctly followed by this bit of tomfoolery?

The point being that some of our council's officer really think that the law does enable them to advise that such things are legal when they wish to enable the things they want to. Just as the officer's of mine really think the law does enable them to hold that certain things are illegal when they wish to prevent them.

And if there is no one with the time and money to challenge to such advice and action - they will always be right and the law will prove to be in practice, what those who enforce it, wish it to be.