MOST councillors I have talked to on the subject have every sympathy with those pubs who are being told they need entertainment licences to hold karaoke sessions.

But, contrary to what Peter Bramwell says (Letters, April 25), there is a logical reason for Blackburn with Darwen Council saying this. Unfortunately, it is the law of the land.

When the council started receiving complaints about karaoke from publicans with entertainment licenses, we checked the law. It seemed that karaoke was covered by the Licensing Act, which was written more than 30 years ago -- before karaoke was invented. However, we double checked by asking the Home Office their opinion. They came back to us saying that karaoke is indeed covered by the Licensing Act.

As a public body, the council has a duty to uphold the law, however wrongheaded we may think it is. We have no choice but to follow the law on entertainment licenses for karaoke.

Where we do have a choice is on the level of charges for entertainment licenses. The minimum charge used to be more than £500. The council has introduced a new minimum charge for pubs holding karaoke and the like of just £100. Where we've got some discretion, we've used it.

There is some hope on the horizon. The Home Office is currently carrying out a review of the Licensing Act with a view to updating the law. I hope that Mr Bramwell and other people who feel strongly on this issue are making as much noise to the Government, which has the power to change the law, as they are to the council, which has no power to change the law.

COUNCILLOR DAVE HOLLINGS, Sudell Road, Darwen.