Oxford City Council is probably the first of many hysterical over-reactions to the Government’s proposed relaxation of control of entertainment through licensing.

Two things are clear: they haven’t read the small print and are ignorant of the way licensing legislation works.

The DCMS entertainment licensing deregulation consultation, which closes on December 3, includes a proposal to keep noise limiting licence conditions on existing venues where alcohol is sold.

There is a raft of nuisance legislation irrespective of licensing. Contrary to opponents of reform, noise abatement notices can be issued pre-emptively under the Environmental Protection Act.

Licensed premises can be given on the spot fines if they cause a noise nuisance between 11pm and 7am. The police can close licensed premises immediately if they believe a venue is causing a serious problem.

Under section 177 of the Licensing Act, many if not most noise conditions on pubs and bars of 200 maximum capacity, such as the operation of a noise limiter, are unenforceable when live music is being performed within certain hours.

That small concession for live music was granted by the previous government in 2003 when the then Licensing Bill was going through Parliament.

Big screen broadcast entertainment, including sport, MTV and other music programmes, is not regulated by entertainment licensing and in 2005 nearly all pubs and bars were granted automatic permission to play recorded music, by DJs if they want, without any licence conditions.

HAMISH BIRCHALL, Crest View, London NW5