The Daily Telegraph leader 30 November 2002

More red tape, vicar?
(Filed: 30/11/2002)

Only in the Orwellian world of the "Department for Culture, Media and Sport" could they come up with this one. Under the new Licensing Bill, churches which host more than five concerts a year by amateur choirs will now have to pay for entertainment licences on the same basis as commercial enterprises.

Apparently, the licences are needed to prevent crime, disorder, public nuisance and - of course - to protect children. Perhaps Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, could tell us when was the last time that the audience at a performance of Bach's Matthew Passion caused crime, disorder, public nuisance or threatened the welfare of children.

After all, even the most demotic of New Labour hacks would surely not claim that classical music lovers deserve to be subjected to the same restrictions as shaven-headed revellers at a "Blood and Honour" gig. The Archbishops' Council has expressed grave concern about the Licensing Bill - but it will be hard pressed to exorcise the powerful new gods of health and safety.