I just sent the following:

To: ianlocke@wpbc.weymouth.gov.uk, tomgrainger@wpbc.weymouth.gov.uk, letters@dorsetecho.co.uk From: Jacob Bloom Subject: Music sessions and morris dancing Date: Mon 5:25p Aug 20, 2001

I have recently learned that public houses in the Weymouth and Portland area are being discouraged from holding music sessions and from having Morris dancing. My understanding is that the discouragement takes the form of requiring the public house to get an entertainment license for an open music session, as if the singing patrons were employees of the public house.

On my last trip to England, Morris performances and music sessions were the most enjoyable parts of my visit. I look forward to bringing my family for a visit, but I certainly would want to avoid any parts of the country where these things were not available.

Can you tell me if there is any chance these policies will be reversed soon?

Jacob Bloom Arlington MA, U.S.A. bloom@gis.net