FURTHER to Mr Bonner's letter (January 10), I assume he is referring to Performing Rights Society (PRS) licences which were introduced to ensure copyright holders receive their just rewards.

The key words in his letter are "playing of music in public places" and "public communal areas" and I believe the following to be true.

If the entertainment is a private performance for the enjoyment of residents in a home then a licence is not necessary.

However, should the performance be open to non-residents and to members of the public at large, then a licence is required.

This has always been the case, even before the introduction of licences.

When these licences were first introduced there was massive concern as to the restrictions that they would cause. Much of this has been clarified, however, and I am sure further contact with the local licensing authority would confirm these points.

Eric Daines,

The Rowans,

Skelton, York.

Updated: 09:10 Thursday, January 26, 2006