The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #56393 Message #881855
Posted By: The Shambles
03-Feb-03 - 07:11 PM
Thread Name: Churches now exempt from PELs
Subject: RE: Churches now exempt from PELs
The mere provision of a piano in fully inspected pub, already controlled for any problems arising from alcohol, will be classed as an entertainment facilty, making the premises automatically unsafe without an additional licence and leaving the licensee open to a £20,000 fine or 6 months in prison, if a customer should be able to play it. And the pub must pay a annual inspection charge
The same in any church, will not be classed as an entertainment facility and can be played all day and night for conventional commercial public entertainment with no additional licence or controls or penalties.
The same in a village hall will be classed as an entertainment facility, making the premises automatically unsafe without an additional licence and leaving the owner/organiser open to a £20,000 fine or 6 months in prison, if a member of the public should play it, although the fee for the additional licence will not be charged and presumably will not pay the annual inspection charge.
How can this be justified, given the stated objectives of the Bill?