All the necessary health, safety and noise legislation exists for any building where the public are admitted for any purpose. Why should live music require anything extra?

Fundamental principle:
The performance of live music should not requre a license. Period.

In Scotland there is no such document as a PEL. They are managing perfectly well without it.

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Yes, I've seen the "Stage" article. It's not what he says, but what he doesn't say, that matters.

For example he doesn't explain why there is an exemption for TV screens in pubs. No safety requirements, no noise limits, nothing.
(real reason: the broadcast industry is so rich and powerful that it can control the government. Have you a better explanation?)

He doesn't mention that many premises other than pubs, i.e. which don't sell alcohol will have to apply for a license when they never did before. Do you think they'll get it for free? How is that deregulatory?

He doesn't point out that many pubs will not want to pay for an annual inspection by the council plus the cost of work to comply with needless conditions the council will impose, just so it can host a folk club or singaround once a month. (don't tell me the councils won't behave like that, it's already happened)

He doesn't point out that unlike the magistrates who issue licenses now the councils have a huge financial interest in the whole process and are always desperate for new revenue streams. How is that going to promote a fair system?

Don't be taken in.

Anahata