Here is an e-mail I have sent to the Minister. No doubt will be intercepted by a Civil Servant........


One of the (I hope) unintentional consequences of music licensing under Schedule 1 of the 2003 Act is that entertainment given (often freely or at very reduced fees) by musicians for the elderly or sick in hospitals and old folks homes, needs a licence. (either a full premise licence or a limited number of Temporary Event Notices at £21 per time).   You said on Radio that this seems wrong - it is wrong, shamefully wrong. But old folks homes and hospitals are not going to take a risk on £20,000 & /or 6 months and are cancelling these visits, to the detriment of the old and sick. The reason for needing a licence, it is supposed, is that members of the public (relatives) may be entertained.

I am sure that if this is known to the general public they would be horrified.   If it is an unintended consequence you could probably sort it by use of Ministerial powers created under the Act.

Perhaps you will do so.