SIR – Britain’s descent into fiscal fascism proceeds apace. The local authorities have informed at least one city shopkeeper that if they wish to have a radio playing in the shop they must obtain a performing arts licence, at no small cost to the shopkeeper.

By what statute?

Given that the radio station has paid royalties for the music being performed and that the shopkeeper is not expecting customers to buy tickets to listen to the radio then both customer and shopkeeper alike are members of the radio’s audience. Since when has one been required to have a performing arts licence in order to be a member of an audience?

D WOODMAN,

Worcester.