The LGA Group argues that further changes to the 2003 Licensing Act are unnecessary. Venues that want to have live music in the background rather than as a main attraction are able to make use of the 'incidental music' exemption.
Since the Act's introduction, I have tried to ensure that unpaid, non-amplified folk music sessions in local pubs can benefit from this exemption.
To date I have been unsuccessful. Even with the latest guidance, the elected councillors are still being advised that the only way such activities can take place is with additional entertainment as a performance of Regulated Entertainment and will be prevented without this.