The idea that additional Entertainment Licensing has some effect on noise is one that is stuck so firmly in our brains that we overlook the obvious - as demonstrated in the following sad example.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8157487.stm

The council's letter to the Gooseberry Pie Fair committee said the "live and amplified" music had caused some locals to complain of a "disturbance".

Organisers were also reminded they were governed by the Environment Protection Act of 1990.

As a result of noise complaints, this council are insisting that a TEN is obtained for any future fairs, but pointing out that whether this permission was in place or not - the event would still be subject to the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

So what purpose is served by the expensive red tape in the licensing Act 2003, other than to threaten the future of events of this type?