Kevin, while it might be possible to hold back parts of the act - ie the extended licensing hours, I would have thought that the issuing of premises licenses would have to be in place for next March, when about 1/3 of current magistrate's licenses expire. As the application for an entertainments license (or whatever the new term is) should be made at the same time, surely this should be in place as well. I believe that the LA can make an additional charge if the entertainments part is applied for separately - mind you I'm pretty sure that some LAs (including my own) would like an excuse to do just that.

One of the clubs which I go to (FOLKMOB at the Tudor Barn, Eltham) has hitherto operated as a member's club. If this loophole is now closed, there could be a problem. In order to get a (current) PEL, the LA (Greenwich) wants quite a number of structural changes. As the building is listed, the LA will not grant planning permission for these. The actual owners of the freehold of the building are not much help - who are they ? - you've probably guessed - The London Borough of Greenwich ! Talk abou a vicious circle !