The controversial Licensing Bill was finally passed by the Houses of Parliament on 9th July. The Bill was warmly welcomed by CAMRA which has campaigned for years for a relaxation in the licensing laws, arguing that this will reduce the tendency to binge drinking. But critics point to the growth in drunkenness and under age drinking in Ireland, where similar relaxation has already taken place.

And despite wringing a number of amendments in the early stages of the Billšs passage through the Lords, the final version will still require all licensed premises to have an entertainment licence for any amplified live music. At the last minute Lib Dem peers failed to back Tory colleagues who were pressing to exempt smaller venues of 200 or less. Bizarrely considering that one justification is risk of disorder or safety risks, recorded music is completely exempt.

Live music will be exempt if it is incidental to other activities such as eating but not dancing. Community premises such as village halls, and charity garden fetes which do not make a private profit will also be exempt. But private members clubs and charity concerts will need a licence. The government did however promise to modify the legislation at a later stage if it was shown that it had a significant effect on the provision of live music. It is likely that current arrangements will continue to be legal until 2005.