"Typically replacement of all upholstery and curtains with fire retardant material, rewiring (for the acoustic session's massive PA), double glazing (because of that PA) and possibly additional fire exits."

I personally think some the above (plus other requirements not mentioned) should be enforced whether a licence is requested or not, Health and Safety of the customers should come well before if they want to sing or not.

This to me has bee one of the biggest anomalies re the new "act" - an act that is to protect customers etc..... but I can get squashed and trodden to bits listening to a comedian or televised football match but try and listen to a folk singer and all the safety rule come into practise - does this really mean they like audiences listening to music and want them to survive???? "Unamplified, live music in small venues to be treated exceptionally to ensure traditional and amateur folk music thrives" - so that's how they're going to do it