The local government lobby's implacable opposition to any sensible moves that would free live music may be difficult to understand but the key is that this is a lobby group.

The removal of locally set entertainment licensing fees was about the only sensible result of the Licensing Act 2003, it was a shame that it did not go further but given the strength of the lobby - it is surprising that this aspect was included and passed.

But there is no such thing as free lunch. The lobby continues for a return of locally set licensing fees and for some further but unspecified powers to be devolved to them.

I think it is clear that if the current or any other Party forming central government should really want to free live music from the stranglehold that the local government lobby currently have over it -they will have to give the local government lobby something it wants in return.   

Or that is how this lobby see it and as they will still be there - whichever political Party holds temporary sway and think they are in charge. It seems very clear to me who exactly is in control and who has no intention of handing over this control.

The real irony it that we pay for this lobby and it must cost us a considerable sum.............