I've just heard what may be good news. Oxford City Council (OCC) has made a significant u-turn in their regulation of local folk sessions which could set a national precedent. In tandem with local petitions, OCC's decision could resolve some of the difficulties experienced by folk clubs across the country.

You probably know that participatory sessions in a pub called the Old Ale House in Oxford were threatened with closure a few weeks ago by local licensing officers.

The council counted members of the public as 'performers' under s 182 of the Licensing Act 1964, and decided that landlord Sean Donnelly needed a PEL. It is the combined cost of the PEL fee itself and implementing the often mystifying public safety conditions that deter proprietors. Mr Donnelly couldn't justify the cost.

But yesterday (8 Feb)OCC met with local musician and campaigner Bob Lloyd and conceded that separate legislation ensured public safety on the premises, and that in consideration of the fact that there were no noise issues, they would regard the sessions as being on a par with quiz nights - in other words they will now leave them alone.

More info later.