Deja Vue (SP)

The original campaign was to stop Local Authorities using PEL's as a "cash cow" - well you have your wish - All fees will be centrally fixed. The object now must be to see that the fees are reasonable and affordable.

Fire inspections - they had to be done anyway - so whats the big deal ? - I am afraid in this litigational society, new act or no, any licencing bench would have put thmselves at risk if they did not act on a Fire Officers recomendations. I am afraid that any Licencing Council would be at risk from personal surcharge by the District Auditors if basic Health and Safety Considerations were not examined, and acted on.

Now lets look at the senario. Why should any overtasked Police Officer bother about prosecution when he can :-

1/. Confiscate the Instruments and Amplifiyers ?

2/. Shut the premises for 24 hours, and object to licensce renewal ?

and if he gets any lip - Nick for various offences not conected with PELs.

One thing I have learn't in my 50 odd years, is that if you leave a loophole some smart arse will try and drive an HGV thru it.

And yes, there are premises which cause a great deal of aggrovation to local residents, non Folk maybe, but you try and differentiate !

This Act will make it easier to control them, without the risk of a brick through your window, your car damaged, or suffering an assult as the price for standing up in a Magistrates Court to give evidence.

Now Kim Howells admitted privatley (Hamish and others know the reference) the the Act was not perfect, but I an afraid that hurling insults at Kim Howells was not an ideal way of convincing him of the rightousness of our cause. The South Wales Group of Labour MP's was provided with the ULR's to see the arguments from the Folk movement. Many of these arguments were valid, others resembled those of "Dreaded Guest", and maybe, just maybe, screwed the Pooch.

The object now must be :-

1/. Keep costs reasonable

2/. Help and encourage Licensees to apply for PELS as part of the normal licencing procedure - and simplify the forms.

Do that and we have a result, fail and it reminds me of the old proverb :- Do not wish too hard, your wish may be granted !

Gareth