Now this whole question of PEL's arose from the actions of certain councils trating PELs as a cash cow.

This new proposed legislation takes that discretion on the size of fees to scales laid down by the S of State.

The problem is not so much the legislation itself, but the need to ensure that Local Authorities act reasonably.

Yes - lobby etc. whilst the legislation is before Parliament, but ultimatley it is the Local Authorities who must be kept under review.

For those of you living in England next May there are Coucil elections in most areas, and London.

Now is the time to lobby Councillors and Candidates to ensure that the Licensing Committees are not controlled by the "Jobsworths".

A point to hold in mind is that if the fees are held at a reasonable level, then the opportunity to empire build, and act as a cash cow is not there and supercilious actions by inspectors will be cost ineffective.

Gareth