The following is more on Council's other responsibilities. Ones that may or should interfere with this tunnel vision enforcement.

Hamish Birchall sent the following to me.

"Also last December the DCMS published a useful document called 'Creating Opportunities'.

It calls on local authorities to prepare a 'Local Cultural Strategy' by 2002. The purpose is to put 'culture centre stage in the business of local authorities', and is all about utilising local talent and initiative to widen everyone's participation and access to all forms of 'cultural life' - which includes live music of course.

The means by which councils prepare this 'strategy' is first and foremost consultation. This is emphasised throughout the document. Local authorities must also start to work 'holistically', which means that the arts departments must start talking to the licensing department, and working co-operatively for a shared goal. At the moment the two departments are often working with contradictory agendas: one seeks to promote local live music, the other shuts it down.

You should find out who is heading up the Local Cultural Strategy team in your council, and get a copy of 'Creating Opportunities' as soon as possible from Terry Connell at the DCMS on 0207-211 6370.

Note that on p35 there is a specific mention that more pubs/small venues should be developed, and licensing arrangements reviewed."

Have you been consulted?