Am I a complete idiot? Is the following not exactly the argument that has been presented to the DCMS, for why blanket live music licensing of all premises is not necessary as, adequate pubic protection would already exist?

Accordingly, whenever a group of people in a bar break into spontaneous song, the licensee would have to decide the point (noise level)at which he is at risk of being closed by the police because of "excessive noise" which might be disturbing the public. This is an important point for context and explains why it would not be necessary to bring spontaneous singing (music making) within the licensing regime as adequate public protection would already exist<.

Ronnie Bridgett Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Branch Tourism Division

If the DCMS accept adequate public protection already exists (for noise etc) and it is the licensee's duty to ensure that the public are not disturbed, why do they need a PEL now and why would they need in future to specify the exact nature of any live music, well in advance in an operating plan and have local authority approval for this?

They can now and will under this proposed legislation be able to stage and advertise live TV sporting events, without this needing to go in any operating plan or obtain approval.