If I knew the cost of a justices licence, I would indeed tell you, but I see no point in inventing figures to create an argument.

Then perhaps we can both leave biased statements about the relative costs of the two systems until the true figures are known? The true figures for the current alcohol licence are known however. and as you described them as 'not insignificant', we should expect you to know
and be able to tell us.

Perhaps you can tell us, what is the Secretary of States's latest figure for the inspection charge? The figure I gave was certainly in the range of figures that the DCMS have expressed for this element.

On your other posting: I would certainly agree if you argued that the PRS is ineffective and inequitable in its support for the minor song writers. However, the songsmith is worthy of the few coppers that the PRS typically recover when his song is performed. I am ashamed to think that any folkie would take a stand on behalf of evaders of the PRS levies.

I would be ashamed to think that any folkie would try so very hard to convince others that this new Licensing Act is anything other than a disaster and would try to minimise the financial aspects of it. Not that I am accusing anyone....

Nothing that I said in my post that suggested any support for evaders of anything. It was simply making the point that PRS inspectors had to work harder than they will have to find venues providing live music and it was in response to a question about possible hidden costs under the new Act.