Chris Maclean: let's face the music

The nature of our premises licence is the result of a long period of bitterness and resentment. Previous regimes here had sought to build upon the sports bar tradition that had, logically, developed in a large Victorian bar space. The by-product of this had been considerable disturbance to our neighbours and a significant polarisation of opinion. As I was sorting the details out for the acquisition of these premises it was apparent that a battle royal was occurring as the previous licensee sought to lift onerous conditions and the neighbours fought to impose them.

The result is that I am prohibited from having live music here and only permitted 'recorded background music'.

But I have no music at all in here and this is fine.

I did risk prosecution during the Christmas period when I permitted two lots of carol singers and a small gospel mission band. But I thought it worth the risk and I got away with it.

Last night I was asked to host a party next weekend. The same musician responsible for the gospel mission band is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary. It is highly likely that one, or more, of his mates will turn up with instruments.

What am I to do? There are only a few working days between now and then; too late for a temporary event notice.

Anything they do will be modest, in good taste and inoffensive. There will be no unpleasant consequence for their actions. My neighbours will not hear them.

Do I ban them from singing or picking up their instruments? Impossible.

One hopes common sense might override such issues.

But it is the local council dealing with it.

So how come I feel criminalised by this? Chances are I might get fined heavily.

But I am going to risk it.

I try to run this business honestly but it is proving increasingly impossible as each new piece of legislation is added.

Maybe we'll get away with it...I hope so.