In Hull, if a licensee decides to hold a session and not get a PEL, it works because the council can pretend it is not happening.

If you plaster the news that this session is taking all place, all over the internet, it is possible, as I have stated, that a malicious complaint may well leave them with little choice but to take action. I speak from bitter experience.

This could result in a heavy fine or a prison term for the licensee.
If licensees fear possible action and prevent the session, this is nearly as bad.

There is a difference in being glad of 'good' news and expressing a reckless and irresponsible attitude towards licensees. Between not being gloomy about other folk's troubles and sounding smug.

Having the luxury of this 'head in the sand', 'I'm alright Jack' attitude is one I thought, given the horror of the new Bill, was one we had finally seen the last of. I thought, as a small minority, that we were recognising the importance of working together

'They' will be coming, even for those in Hull. I hope that when they do, the folk of Hull will find others (like the folkies of Helpston) are willing to come to Hull's assistance.

The very best time to approach Hull council (through your councillors) is now, when there is not an action taking place. They then have room to move and possibly could take the decision open to them, that would legally enable sessions without PELs.

You would sound a little less smug, if you were at least prepared to give a mention to those, who due to no fault of theirs are having to accept the loss of their session and the legal threat hanging over their licensee.

No one is wanting to make the folk of Hull miserable and it is true that many sessions do continue without problems, in other parts of the country also. We want to share your good fortune, not inflict our misfortune on you.

If you really have the answer in Hull, spread the news of exactly how so others can also benefit.

When officers do close down sessions, they use the excuse that no other council sees the situation any different. If it can be demonstrated that Hull is a council that does, the floodgates will open, tht will enable all sessions everywhere.

Now that really would be good news! For all of us.