Sure is. If they don't want all the extra trade that live music brings in, that's 100% their choice. If it's not worth 10 minutes of their time to fill in the extra boxes on the form, or a few hours spread over a week to read and understand the whole licensing system, that's totally up to them. And it lets you know exactly how much they care about their customers.

The fact is that providing live music is a trade-off and will always remain a bit of a gamble for small premises. If the only factor and expense involved in making the application to provide live music was the Premises Licence - that would be bad enough and sad enough for the future and roots of music. But it is not. On top of paying for any required improvements and extra Health and Safety measures - is paying for the PRS/PPL licence and the cost of paying the performers and extra staff.

When (as now) 95% of premises did not hold entertainment permission - it did not matter so much - as it was still possible for some form of live music to take place. However, as of now - only 20% have made the new Premises Licence application (that will enable them to continue to sell alcohol) and obtaining this (in time and alone) will be the main concern for most licensees - without them considering even more paperwork and more delay.

I suggest that it is less judgement of others and more realism that is required by performers, organisers and enthusiasts - at this point. The future for live music in or pubs and clubs - is not looking very bright - if any form of live music will be illegal in the majority of them and premises are deterred from applying - for any reason.

Not forgetting of course that if local authorities do not issue Premises Licenses for (their own owned) public spaces - no live music, mummers plays or Punch and Judy shows will be able to take place ay all (except of course Morris Dancing)..