From: Paul [paul_at_banjolin_dot_co_dot_uk]
Sent: 24 January 2009 17:11
Subject: Re: How to get more live music in the pubs !

Hi again Beau,

I think many landlords took advantage of the hiatus to not reinstate music in many pubs. Musicians were hesitant to play during the debate and there was certainly a temporary decline in music at that time which has never really recovered.
There has been a shift to food pubs which aren't often music friendly and pubs are closing at an alarming rate. Typically the pubs which are music friendly are free houses with independent landlords. Some will have taken the opportunity to retire in the face of the new act and the smoking ban. It takes time for new venues to establish themselves, and quite a few give up too early thinking that it isn't worth it.
Just another 3 pennyworth from

Paul