Dave the K

Here's my comments on the points you make:

1) It had a licence which expired. I believe this was a
    short-term licence. In any case the essential argument
    is that such an event should not require a licence.

2) Impossible to test - personally I'm highly dubious.

3) Totally untrue. Music from a disco, or a duo (no
    matter how extensively amplified) would be unaffected
    by the council's ban on "sessions", since such
    activities would not need a PEL. (Nusance or danger
    from such sources COULD be used to oppose renewal of
    the pub's "Alcohol" icence but this seldom happens.)

4) Also largely untrue. The council has to decide on what
    interpretation it puts on the law. While some other
    councils share its view, many others take a different
    view. Even IF the council is LEGALLY correct (and
    certainly it can argue that it follows a possible
    interpretation of the law) it is NOT reasonable.
    Mr Locke has twice refused to explain to me how the
    danger/nuisance of a session is greater than that of
    other events which CLEARLY do not require a PEL.

5) I do not believe this. I could cite a number (look
    at almost any town-based Folk Festival).

In short, Mr Locke is being - at best - "economical with the actuality" or whatever! He's also claimed elsewhere that there's been no ban on morris dancing. His grasp of the facts seems sadly limited!

George