I spoke to Samuel Smiths brewery today about our local pub in Farlington where we have played music for the last two and a bit years (see related thread at Have Sam Smiths banned all music amongst others) as I heard that we have been told to stop playing.

Unfortunately, it's true.

What is worse is that it applies to ALL Samuel Smiths pubs. Nellies was mentioned by the person I spoke to at the brewery as being another that would be affected.

Obviously I am really sad about it and it would be easy to write a torrent of abuse about the brewery, the chairman etc - hopefully that is NOT what will go on here.

The decision is from the chairman down and is being implemented down the chain of command so it seemed silly to get too excited over the phone. Apparently people have written directly to the chairman on this matter as it was his decision alone and so I guess there is an implication that this might be a good course of action.

The reasons as to WHY were not forthcoming. Might be licensing issues - I don't know.

I DO intend to write as I'm sure will the people who use our local.

SO tomorrow is the last gathering at the Blacksmiths Arms Farlington as it is considered a previously arranged commitment. Raise a pint and have a moments silence somewhere between 8.30 and 11.30...

Off to compose my letter