The following letter sent to the LGA.

CC Kim Howells MP
CC Jim Knight MP
Dear Brian Biscoe

I have been informed that at a meeting to discuss entertainment licensing reform, held yesterday 13/05/02 John Tiffney made the following extraordinary observations (in italics).

As Mr Tiffney represents the LGA on this subject when lobbying central Government on behalf of local authorities, comments like these could explain why the Government is so ill informed on the subject of traditional musical activities in pubs. Many in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport still give credence to these LGA views about PELs and their effect on live music.

The low take-up of PELs in England and Wales was simply a reflection of low public demand for live music.

I understand that he rejected suggestions that the uniquely restrictive and costly licensing regime and years of heavy-handed enforcement might be partly responsible for the 5% take up figure.

The low PEL take up figure of course bears no relationship with the high level of live music. As many establishments can currently provide small scale live music, exempt from the requirement.

The demand for live music, free of unnecessary official constraints and payments, has never been more apparent, to anyone, save possibly the LGA's advisors and the Government they advise.

The idea of the cut, charge or (per head) fee, place by the courts or local authority on commercial music events, is an anachronism, open to abuse and criticism. It has no place in a modern and open licensing regime and should end with this reform. This Government, if it showed the courage to do it, would be popularly supported for ending it.

There is no tradition of folk music in pubs in England and Wales

What are Mr Tiffney's qualifications, source and support for the extraordinary claim that there is no tradition of music in pubs in England and Wales? Perhaps he would like me to show him?
Even if it were true, which it isn't, the proposed reforms would ensure that there never could be.

As a traditional musician, who specialises in seeking out (and organising) participatory sessions in pubs, I can state quite unequivocally that Mr Tiffney is responsible for providing, quite dangerously incorrect information to the Government if the above statement is as reported.

As a traditional musician who has personally suffered from enforcement action based on the ignorance of local authority officers on this subject, and the law, I am appalled that this ignorance appears to emanate from the very top and is passed to Government as informed comment.

This uninformed attitude towards traditional music in pubs is causing harm to priceless cultural activities and giving great concern to the many that take part. The minister responsible for culture has the opportunity, with this reform to prevent once and for all, these activities from falling foul of strict, unbending and reckless interpretation and enforcement by local authorities. The LGA should be assisting toward this aim, but would appear to have a quite different agenda.

Yours sincerely Roger Gall ENDS