Blowzabella - You're right; I had somewhat lost sight of the question at hand, that of the TV turned up, etc., and was just talking in a general way. In fact, I WAS talking about simply "engaging in a different activity in a pub", as you put it, so I don't have any disagreement with what you're saying. I would add, however, that I have known of a number of instances where that particular activity has added considerably to the custom of a drinking establishment, to the point where the deadest night of the week has become the busiest. But clearly that's not always going to be the case, and it's the publican's call. Well, it may be the musicians' call, depending what their goal is: in the instance of one tremendously "successful" Wednesday night pub session I used to occasionally attend, it became such an attraction, and the place became so busy and frenetic, that the musicians turned down the offer of weekly payment, packed up their instruments, and found a quieter pub ... Strange but true!