In the light of the way that my local LA sees entertainment licenses, I can't imagine them being very keen to see premises get them for free. I'm sure thart they would rather the licenses were applied for subsequently, when they could make a charge.

This indeed is the old thinking but we must accept our part of the blame for permitting this to hold sway in our local areas. This is largely by not getting involved in the boring processes of local politics, and just moaning. I will admit to be a fine example of this (until fairly recently) and there are current exeptions to this of course.

The Act now requires that every local licensing authority form a Licensing Committee. This committee is charged with making a policy. As council tax payers and voters, we now have the chance, through our local councillors, to form the local policy towards live music, (as far a the words of the Act will allow) that we wish to see.

If we can do this well by using all the exemptions and exposing all the problems, it is possible that the restrictive areas of the Act toward live music and performance in general, could pretty soon become totally unworkable - as these really deserve to be.

With the low turn-out in many local elections - it should not even be too difficult for us to elect fellow folk club and sessiom members - if they were willing) to become councillors and sit on these Committees. We have the chance to do more than just moan, it is up to us what we do with that chance.