Dear Sorcha,

Yes, it's come to refusing to play (sometimes paid gigs) in certain places where this practice has taken hold as a matter of principle. Unfortunately there seem to be almost no Irish pubs (in this city at least) where this scourge is absent.

Like Dave says, it seems as if many are not happy unless they are staring at something electronic. It's a pity that this seems to take precedence over a lot of talented people getting together, more often than not at their own expense, and offering real live entertainment.

Best regards,

mcmoo