Richard the fact that people are paid to perform music does not mean that is the only way to do it.

Where did anyone suggest that music should be provided free? However I surely have the right to provide my music freely, if I choose? If the publican wants me to do it, paid or unpaid in their pub, is that not their right?

That however is not the point. The point is that the premises are already controlled for drinking. They are safe to gather and drink, why should the same people not be safe if music is being played, whilst drinking?

There are issues of noise levels and there already regulations to deal with this. When there is no such issue, with acoustic instruments, where is the problem?

An entertainment licence will not prevent a riot. in the unlikely event of one breaking out, I do not think that it would be the people from the licencing dept that would be called. I think that your "gin mills" were not too much of a problem by 1982.