And now the goverment is consulting on Temporary event notices - see
www.culture.gov.uk and look to alcohol and licensing.    This is VERY IMPORTANT for festivals etc.   Please look at it and comment by e-mail.   I know the government's record is one of ignoring opinion and ploughing ahead but it does invite consultation and gives an e-mail address.

The government waffles about a light touch regulation because of the limitations on a temporary event notice - A TEN.   These are 5 notices unless a premise licence holder (50), 12 events per year per place, 96 hours max (how can a five day festival survive) and not more than 500 attenders - who counts - passing traffic etc.   The government accepts that non commercial operations are affected - mentions music clubs such as folk clubs, free canivals and free festivals.

The government accepts that music ranges from heavy amplified rock to folk music and chamber music and seeks views, it says, on increasing the limits, reducing the limits etc. All set out in a long acrobat document.

I have made my own views known on folk festivals.