Problem is, quite often the locals aren't really interested in folk music but do want the television or the juke box.

We had this problem in a venue that we used - we were in the unused dining area that opened omnto the bar and after a few months were told that we could no longer use that area as the landlord was going to start doing evening meals. I don't think he ever did - it was more that his regular customers didn't want us there. That happened at a couple of venues and the regulars are the pub's bread and butter. They do pay the piper (or not - as the case should be)

Unfortunately the music we like ain't mainstream and you have to find a landlord with a liking for the music. Our group ended up in what used to be the Conservative club - now members only but allowing the group to use the dining area on a Wednesday night, when they had very little custom. It meant that there was less chance of outsiders finding the session by chance but did mean that there could be a regular session without disturbance.