HL Deb 07 March 2001 vol 623 cc29-30WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the Arts Council's concern about the lack of venues for local live music, in what percentage of public houses it is currently an offence for the landlord to allow more than two people to sing at the same time. [HL998]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)

It is not an offence. However, premises which provide public entertainment including performances by more than two musicians or singers need a public entertainment licence, and an offence is committed if a licence is not obtained or its terms complied with. The Government's White PaperTime for Reform (Cm 4696) set out proposals for changing the alcohol and entertainment licensing laws.

Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is adequate legislation to ensure public safety in public houses that provide satellite television sport for their customers; and, if so, who is responsible for checking licensees' compliance with this legislation. [HL999]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

Pubs need a justices' licence for the sale of alcohol to their customers; and it is open to the justices to attach conditions to licences or seek undertakings from licensees with a view to ensuring that public safety is maintained, whether or not satellite television is provided for customers. The police are responsible for enforcing licensing law. The Government are not satisfied that the present law is satisfactory, and set out proposals for reform in a White Paper (Cm 4696) last year.