But the trouble is going to be what the law says or what the law means that matters - it's going to be what the landlords (or coffee bar equivalents etc) are told it means by the local council, or by the company controlling the business. It's going to be easier to play safe, and say "Sorry lads, you can't play here, more than my licence is worth."

That is a very good point. Many of the 95% of premises not currently holding PELs but providing exempt music are not I fear going to choose the optional 'entertainment' element of the the new mandatory premises licence. any music currently being made will have to stop.

It is partly the cost of the PEL at the moment but they will have to pay the same (increase) for the premises licence even if they don't want the 'entertainment' element. It is more the case, now and under the reform that they do not want to undertake expensive modifications and be subject to some of the unnecessary controls and conditions that are now imposed on some premises.

The reform talks of what councils will be allowed or not allowed to do but is very short on the detail and how the Government are to ensure that current excesses are to be avoided.