The DCMS response says, in a couple of places, that a charge can be made without the need for a licence, providing it is "to cover costs". For example, Performances at places such as hospitals and old people's homes would also not be licensable unless the public were able to attend, or a charge was made to those inhabitants or patients who attended with a view to do more than cover costs.


Apart from the fact that I can't see anywhere that this is included in the bill, it implies some sort of complicated accounting. For example, if a club makes a profit one week and a loss the next so that overall no profit is made, is a licence required? Are we allowed to charge £5 on the door until the costs are covered and then everyone is free?