Some tourist were put off coming to the UK because they were under the inpression that they may catch foot and mouth. The Government have just spent a small fortune showing overseas tourist associations all arounf the UK so they can go home and tell everyone it is safe to come.

I would not like to suggest that there is any chance of you being arrested for making music in a pub here. There is not. If folk believe that and stay away for that reason, maybe the Government will have to take similar action as above?

Any legal action will be against the licensee. Which is why these threats of action are so dangerous for the future of folk music here. For rather than risking fines, prision or paying for a licence for events that are unlikely to pay for the cost of, the licensee will stop the folk session.

All Emails from places other than Great Britain may have a very good effect, especially at this (lack of) tourist sensitive period. You don't have to pretend to them that you understand all the issues involved, just ask them to explain why they should wish to make folk music illegal...

Nice to have some from inside the UK as well? Thanks to all.