WATCH out! Singing in your local pub could land your landlord with a hefty fine if he hasn't got an entertainment licence.

Anybody singing along with recorded backing is classed as entertainment - so if your favourite tune comes on the jukebox please don't sing along with it.

What a ridiculous situation.

Our hard-pressed pubs and clubs already fork out for a phonographic performance licence and Performing Rights Society licence.

The introduction of artists with self-contained backing was originally brought in so that pubs could provide entertainment in a cost effective way.

Now City of Council are insisting that this is full blown entertainment and the pubs should pay accordingly.

Surely for a licence to have to be bought, the entertainment specifications should be that at least two people are performing and that a musical instrument should be used during the event. Many artists who perform in York receive a maximum of £125 a performance and a couple of pints - much less than the average plumber on a late call out, but with all the costs the host has to pay before the acts even get to the pub, it is hardly surprising that many venues are cutting back.

Come on York council, move the goalposts a little and let venues be licence-free for one-person shows.

Eddie Vee,

The Campaign For Free Music Licences for York Pubs,

Wenham Road,

York.

Updated: 09:10 Saturday, January 26, 2002