Perhaps it is also time to suggest that the Act's exemption for 'incidental' live and recorded music exists on its own and is not related to the references by Ministers etc - to music that is spontaneous or impromptu. Two words that don't really get anyone very far.

For any live music to be considered 'incidental' and exempt - (and some must be by our LAs) - it probably follows that it can be regular and does not have to be either spontaneous or impromptu.

The push for us to urge our local licensees to apply for entertainment permission was understandable. However, the deadline is now so close it is probably time for us to accept that we can do little more in that direction.

I would suggest as well as using our MPs at national level - that that it is now time for us to concentrate our attention on our local Licensing Authorities and our elected local councillors to try and ensure that they do not (wrongly) see their role under the Act - is for them to (continue) to prevent live music.