At last!

The interpretation of the "two in a bar rule" that interprets it as meaning that more than two people can't sing or play in a bar even if the landlord is agreeable is probably legally unsustainable, in the light of current Human Rights legislation. But, understandably, publicans feel reluctant to risk their livelihoods by challenging it, when stroppy council offiocials get the bit between their teeth (and sometimes when rival landlords want to play dirty by raising a complaint.)

An official ruling that informal singarounds and suchlike are perfectly legal would in no way interfere with the working prospects of musicians. In fact it would almost certainly help produce more work, since it would mean more venues. Pubs would be more likely to test out the customers reaction by allowing a session on a quiet night, and then maybe they'd go ahead and book people for a paid gig on a bigger night. (And I think that would be the general view of the Musicians Union, though no doubt there are some members who might not see it that way.)

Anyway, this should be good. (But where is Shambles? Haven't seen a post from him for some time. Someone stick a link in this thread to the lengthy discussions we've had about them, normally involving him - which I suspect have been part of the background to this action.)