GOVERNMENT plans to regulate live music have been condemned as petty and interfering by Paul Farrer, the West Malvern-based composer of The Weakest Link music.

He has been joined by other leading music figures from Malvern in attacking the Licensing Bill 2002, currently going through Parliament.

The bill would mean pubs and other venues having to get entertainment licenses to put on live music.

At the moment, venues can have up to two musicians playing without needing a license.

Opponents fear smaller venues will give up staging live music rather than pay out for licenses, which could cost up to £500. It is also feared the bill will hit concerts in churches, charity performances and even rehearsals.

"Whilst the thinking behind this legislation is based on common sense health and safety issues, everything about its heavy-handed execution reeks of civil-servant short-sightedness," Mr Farrer said.

"Forcing thousands of public places to apply for extra licenses for music performances will not only directly jeopardise the livelihood of thousands of musicians but is overt, petty and interfering bureaucracy of the highest order."

Singer-songwriter Clive John, who often plays in and around Malvern, said: "If this is the case, smaller places won't be able to have music; only the bigger places will be able to. I don't really want that to take place."

West Malvern's Vo Fletcher, of the popular Early Birds childrens' music combo, said: "This is a prime example of the law being an ass. Music helps people to get together and enjoy themselves. It would prevent young bands starting up and it would harm the future of recorded music."

Paul White, of Quest Hills Road, musician and editor of Sound on Sound magazine, described the bill is an "intolerable intrusion" into people's liberties.

"I think we should just ignore it and if they try to punish us, we should take it to the European Court of Human Rights.

"Music is part of our culture and stopping us singing and playing has to be an infringement of our rights."

A petition against the Bill is available at www.musiclovers. ukart.com. Opponents are also urged to write to their MP.