I was shaking my head over that UK policy and thought it unbelievable as well as unbearable. Until the point a friend of mine who once had a pub told me it is undiscussed practice here in germany. Each and every public music performance has to be licenced, including spontaneous singarounds in pubs. There are special regulations for divine service and school performances, but no exception. Maybe its not so unusual in other countries as well? (Not that I think it´s all right, I was rather shocked to hear about it.)