This memo was also attached.

I have been in contact with Oxford City Council who Mr Gall cites as taking a more lenient approach. Folk musicians did address their Environment Committee and members treated the request to allow unlicensed participation folk evenings with sympathy. The Council's legal and licensing officers were asked to advise and have now submitted a report which states that the law is clear on the subject and such events are public performances and must be licenced. I have a copy of their report.

Oxford also tell me that they have contacted other authorities referred to by musicians as taking a different approach and in every case it turns out that wherever officers are made aware of these events they alert the licencee to the need for a PEL.

Sue Allen is circulating other licencing authorities via the internet to see whether there is anyone who differs in their approach.

I wonder what she will say to them when she finds one?

If this is the way our councils now form policy, so much for democratic local government………