To business again.

From 14:00 yesterday to 14:00 today, over 2,500 names were added to the petition. While this is probably - in part - a reaction to the Christmas break, there is no doubt that other groups of people are getting to know about it and signing. The total currently stands at 24,289 and it seems likely now that it will go over 30,000 at least.

In the meantime, I have sent the following e-mail to the General Secretary of the National Association of Choirs.

I don't know how closely your association is monitoring the new licensing bill, currently going through parliament. If you are not, you may be surprised to find that, as the bill currently stands, a number of the activities of church choirs may be affected.

It seems likely at present that, due to lobbying by the Anglican Church, concerts held in churches may be exempted. However, many of your member choirs are probably involved in other musical entertainments such as carol singing etc.

This bill is supposed to be aimed at making 24 hour licensing of pubs possible, but the entertainment clause as it is currently written will affect morris dancers, carol singers, church concerts and bell ringers amongst other groups.

The wording at present means that a license is required for ANY LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE at ANY VENUE ... the bill does not limit itself to pubs and clubs in this respect. The definition of a venue given in the bill is essentially ANYWHERE.

Here's the text of the bill. You should note that local authorities are known at present for their VERY LITERAL interpretation of the concept of entertainment.

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld200203/ldbills/001/03001.i-viii.html

Here's a link to the recent House of Lords debate (it's quite long and goes on far beyond the end of the page ...)

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199900/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds02/text/21212-01.htm#21212-01_head2

You may wish to encourage your members to join in the protest by signing the petition

http://www.petitiononline.com/2inabar/petition.html

Best regards
Ian Chandler

:-)