Yesterday there was a meeting with John Tiffney of the Local Government Association to discuss entertainment licensing reform. Mr Tiffney represents the LGA on this subject when lobbying central Government on behalf of local authorities. He made the following extraordinary, and illuminating claims:

There is no tradition of folk music in pubs in England and Wales.

The low take-up of PELs in England and Wales was simply a reflection of low public demand for live music.

On both points he rejected suggestions that the uniquely restrictive and costly licensing regime and years of heavy-handed enforcement might be partly responsible.

The LGA is a powerful lobbying agency for local government. Many in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport still give credence to these LGA views about PELs and their effect on live music.

Not to encourage knee-jerk responses, I think it is important that folk seek confirmation of these views directly from the LGA.

Brian Briscoe is Chief Executive, Chris Butcher deals with cultural policy issues. The address is:

Local Government Association
Local Government House
Smith Square
London SW1P 3HZ