SCHOOLS, churches, charities and the whole of the musical/entertainment fraternity urgently need to become aware of the draconian laws the Government is contemplating for their previously innocent activities under the Licensing Bill now going through Parliament.

For example, the use of a church for every concert where there is no religious service will need a licence and a substantial fee. Likewise every school play or concert.

If the Red Cross (or any other charity) were to host a garden party for fund raising and hire a musician, that is also licensable! If a folk group want to give a public performance, ditto.

If a musician ignorantly plays his music in unlicensed premises, he or she could be heavily fined and/or imprisoned. The maximum proposed fine for any offence under this law is £20,000.

None of this is necessary because noise abatement laws already exist. It is another way of raising revenue by penalising the population's normal activities.

If you value your freedom to watch, listen to or participate in live performance then you need to protest loudly to your MP before this becomes law.

Of course, MPs have made sure they are excused from these provisions within their Palace of Westminster!

Martin Cruttwell,

Hamilton House,

Scrayingham, York.

Updated: 11:32 Tuesday, January 14, 2003