Sorry for the slight overstatement of the title. Or for raising some peoples hopes....?

The following is a question from me and an answer from my Local Authority (Weymouth and Portland Borough Council) Licensing Officer.

A Morris side (comprising of more than two people) will produce a programme of dates where they will be performing during a summer season. When these include public houses, which may be visited more than once and they take place on land belonging to the public house, such as pub gardens or car parks, would these events require a Public Entertainment Licence?

Dear Mr Gall

MORRIS DANCING

Thank you for your letter dated 26th June 2001.

A performance of music and dancing taking place in the open and on private land i.e. land to which the public has access only with the permission of the owner, will be subject to SS3 and SS4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (Schedule 1), which requires a licence to be granted by the Local Authority.

An exemption is available if the musical entertainment is incidental to an event such as a garden fete.