The fact that they are licensed does nothing other than making the staging of an event covered by the act easier. It makes more sense than the same hoops being jumped through for each and every event doesn't it?

Not really - and I have explained why.

This is a half-baked idea to try and get around the effects of the Act's - intitial at least - catch-all approach. By making any place in effect a premise where entertainment permission was required. It is that approach that has resulted in some councils taking this course.

I am sure that many find this attractive and are taking this course for all the wrong reasons. As the licensee, they will now have total control over what entertainment does or does not take place. As any restrictions do not have to follow any safeguards contained in the Licensing Act or its Statutory Guidance - if they, as the licensee decide they do not want a form of entertainment - it will not happen. If they, as the licensee decide to charge for others for using - what for licensing purposes are now their premises - I can see very little to stop them.