Some 51,000 have now signed an online petition against new legislation which will require pubs to have an entertainments licence in order to stage even the simplest live music – something the Musicians Union reckon will threaten an important circuit of small live music venues. Those signing the petition at www.petitiononline.com/2inabar/petition.html agree that the new rules are "draconian” and "a totally unacceptable regulatory intrusion into mainstream activities".
Responding to the petition culture minister Kim “rent-a-foolish-quote” Howells has told the Stage newspaper that accusations the legislation will kill live music are "urban myths". Admitting it was understandable that some people would find the penalties that will be charged to pubs who break the new rules "intimidating", he added: "I must stress that these are maximum penalties and, as with all offences, the courts would, on any conviction, decide the appropriate punishments."