Has anyone been in touch with Liberty (formally Natinal Council for Civil Liberties) about the Civil Liberties aspects of this whole thing? More especially about the question of the legality of laws that restrict the right of informal music making in places open to the public.

If we could get Liberty involved I think that would help get the message given more attention by the press.

Here is an email letter I sent last night to Ronnie Bridgett (ronnie.bridgett@Culture.gsi.gov.uk) I'll post any reply here :

Dear Mr Bridgett,

I have been following with interest and growing concern public statements, correspondence and articles concerning the proposed reforms of the PEL system. I have been puzzled by the lack of any information from your department relating the situation of places other than premises licensed to sell alcohol.

My understanding is that at present the law requires that a Public Entertainment Licence is necessary for any "performance" in a place which is open to the public. The only exceptions to this appear to be where religious services in churches etc. are concerned, and the two-in-a-bar exemption, which it is planned to abolish.

So far as I am aware there are no plans to reform the PEL requirements in any other way, and the intention of the government is that it will continue to be an offence to permit even a single person to sing, dance or make music in a way which can be termed a performance in any public place, such as a coffee bar, tea-shop, bookshop or park.

I am aware that there appear to have been instances in the past where the law does not appear to have been enforced. However I have seen public statements to the effect that the reform of the law will mean that there will be no general exceptions, apart from one that will permit premises selling alcohol to provide enlarged television screens for football supporters and so forth.

Am I correct in my understanding of the present law, and in anticipating that there are to be no exceptions, that might permit the continuation of such activities as busking, Morris Dancing, Carol Singing, or in parades and marches including musicians, except where a Public Entertainment Licence is in existence? And is there any guidance available on the procedures for such activities to obtain PELs, and the appropriate cost etc. ?