I know that the world of darts is somewhat different but Howells has said in his guidance that darts is not licensable if played by people for their own enjoyment - only if played to entertain an audience! But like most Howells stuff it is double speak. Home and away teams i am told, often bring "spectators" (the word is audience in the Bill) - even if its just the van driver! The difference here is too subtle for words but doesn't this seem familiar - what pub sessions have an audience - don't we play for our own pleasure?

The cafe line is interesting. I asked DCMS last year - what about playing in a cafe or similar without an alcohol licence - the one liner back was - just apply for a licence under the act but don't fill in the alcholhol bit - great - so a small cafe then shells out £150 per annum and gets inspected, the locals are told about music and will think of throbbing walls and object. A likely story!