As a regular at the Blacksmiths Arms pub at Spring Gardens near West Auckland (County Durham), I was amazed when, a couple of weeks ago, the TV and the sound system suddenly vanished. To be perfectly honest, the lack of TV doesn't bother me, I can watch that at home, but no music at all in the pub is a bit much, especially with Christmas and the New Year celebrations just around the corner. I fully agree with the comment that it's about time Samual Smiths pubs were dragged, albeit kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. Taking a stand against what the management considers to be an excessive increase in music licence fees is one thing, but surely the loyal customers without whom there would be no pub at all count for something. All they seem to be achieving is making the customer suffer. I also agree that even with a fee of £1000 per year, it is still pretty cheap at the price, little more than £20 a week. And incidentally, the comfort, cleanliness and general decor leave much to be desired too. I am very disillusioned with what is taking place at the moment, and will certainly be taking my custom elsewhere until the management come to their senses.