It seems to be a 'bully boy' tactic. Is a local authority really going to take action if three people were playing at the same time in an unpaid/unavertised session. Are they not going to look very silly?

If a publican is in agreement for me and others to play in their establishment, what the **** has it to do with anyone else?

I am a reasonable man. Am I missing something here? Or is this situation really as stupid as it appears?