Let's face it the thing at issue here is not just the freedom to belt out a few numbers with our mates in a bar, pub, hotel or coffee shop.
Councils are strapped for cash at the moment and some bright spark has realised that the present law is a licence to print money if it is enforced.
It cost one local pub £1000 for a PEL this year and it has no regular music events just occasional concerts in the adjoining hall.
If the PEL is to be included in the licence fee then I guarantee that the price of licences will go through the roof.
How many rural pubs, already struggling because of the lack of passing trade, will fold because of the extra costs??????