Account of the meeting, by Martin Lea in the Dorset Evening Echo 16 January.

Councillors have agreed to lobby the Government in a bid to change licensing laws which campaigners in Dorset fear could threaten live music performances.

But Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's social and community committee decided yesterday that officers should not enter into further discussions with protesters as the issue had taken up too much council time.

As the law stands, pub landlords must have a licence for more than two people to perform live on their premises. Protesters say the law is unfair and threatens live music in pubs and smaller venues.

The campaign has gathered pace in Dorset since a dispute over a folk club at the Cove House Inn on Portland.

The committee heard from folk musician Roger Gall who urged councillors to direct their attention to the matter.

Councillors agreed to write to the Government to ask for a relaxation of controls on live music performances.

But they accepted the advice of Ian Locke, the director of tourism and corporate services, who said the debate had taken up valuable resources when it was not even a major issue for the council.