One of the points made in my original post is that neither of the venues, both successful jazz+ clubs, had any inkling of the new rules - and it is they that must choose to register as a "Sponsor". Additionally, none of those people, music industry contacts, with whom I've spoken with in the past week, (and that's dozens in the UK, and a lesser amount in Canada and other countries), had knowledge of this new legislation prior to our encounter with the border police. A few people in the last day or two, new contacts, have stated they know of the legislation, but they know that many people do not.

That is reflective of the manner, and channels, used to disseminate such info - and shows that the cultural industries are more diverse in their membership than some players in the mainstream appreciate.

Representative of a range of comments I've received in recent days are these:

a) from a journalist with a major UK newspaper, who reports on governmental+ matters:

"This sorry story is one more illustration of what I've known for some time: like most authoritarian regimes before it, New 'Labour' is, by accident or design, philistine to the marrow.

What I didn't know before was the existence of this new law, and I now wonder how many more slip under the radar."

b) from an arts/music presenter/promoter active in London:

"As for who was consulted about the new regs. Well, the big promoters were – hand selected by the Home Office – and they sit on a task force group – Serious Music, Association of British Orchestras, etc. but they haven't campaigned for the smaller groups and promoters. In my view, there's a lot of self-serving-interest amongst certain groups who are talking to the home office, but this is not being extended to the wider artistic and music community."

c) from an agent/booker who presents tours extensively in the UK:

"Unfortunately the new rules in the article are true. Although this is the first time I've heard of someone being detained like this.   Any non-EU artist must gain a certificate of sponsorship (from a UK agent or whomever is employing/contracting them) prior to coming to the UK. That agent will have registered thier business with the Uk Border Agency. Basically I think this "certificate" is a number on a database which comes up at customs?... I think visas are involved in there somehow. Unfortunately the Commonwealth link is now irrelevant. Its anyone outside the EU who must comply with it.

It wasn't widely advertised. I knew about it as I was already registered with the Uk Border Agency for other groups,"

d) from the manager of a long-established music venue in the UK:

"I can't tell you how thoroughly annoyed and frustrated I feel at the whole situation. I have written a letter to my local MP (member of parliament / politician) to air my disgust and dismay at this idiotic legislation, which makes it virtually impossible for some international musicians to play in this country and for (particularly) smaller venues to play host to said artists because of the cost of sponsorship.

Please pass on to Allison and the band our very best wishes and sympathies – we are angered and disgusted by the way they have been treated."

And on, and on.

As residents of the UK, naturally, you will have your own views, and the views you hold may or may not jive with any of these. Still, the music industry is not one homogenous mass. You more institutionalized operators may be in the loop, however, there clearly exists a large community of law-abiding, music-loving, industry participants who were neither consulted nor informed about the new legislation.

cheers, Adrian