AS A result of reading about the proposed public entertainment licensing bill in a recent Citizen article, I looked at the Musician's Union website.

It is a real eye-opener to read about the likely consequences if the bill goes through.

As a general rule, I believe that present legislation is sufficient to control any bad effects of public entertainment, provided, of course, that it is properly implemented.

However, it is important that people should be aware that the proposed bill only applies to live entertainment and not to canned music, which could easily be used more often.

On the other hand, the negative consequences of imposing yet another level of red tape seem to be drastic.

My concern, like Jon Moore's, is that the effect will be to slash the cultural wealth of Lancaster.

Applying for the licence and complying with the conditions will have a cost, which will undoubtedly be passed on, both to performers for rehearsal space, and to the audience.

In some cases, owners of venues giving cheap rehearsal space or only occasional performances will not think it worthwhile to apply and Lancaster will lose many venues.

Existing groups are likely to have nowhere to practice, or be unable to afford the cost, and many fewer places to perform.

In addition to reducing the variety and availability of live entertainment, it will also affect new performers, some of whom may go on to talented careers, preventing them from getting a start.

It will also affect the social life of many performers who regularly commit their time and energy to practicing together and give back to the community, both in terms of entertainment, but also in fund raisers for good causes.

Please take the time to write to your local MP if you share any of these concerns.

Catriona Stamp,

Coverdale Road,

Lancaster