MUSIC shops and pubs are uniting in a fight against planned new laws which could outlaw performances in public places.

Booths Music, on Churchgate, and The King's Head, in Deane, are among many protesting against the laws which are so strict they could even prevent a sales assistant demonstrating a guitar to a customer.

Booths Music has already contacted Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon about their worries and he said he will discuss the plans with Tessa Jowell, minister for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The Junction Road pub has started a petition which already has 150 names.

Under current legislation, a licence is only necessary where more than two performers are amplified in a public place.

However, with the proposals being made, it would cost more than £500 to get a licence, which could be necessary for any type of musical performance deemed to be for entertainment purposes.

This could be a school play or a music shop assistant demonstrating an instrument. The laws would also affect private parties and could be interpreted to affect musicians in their homes.

John and Christine Martin, of the King's Head, on Junction Road, are campaigning against the proposals. Their petition is now 150 strong, and growing by the day.

Bolton musician Nick Jackson, who frequently plays concerts in the town, was also angered by the news. He said: "I think it's absolutely outrageous. The current regulations are bad enough."

Ken Thomson, of Macclesfield Borough Council, who also manages the folk music department at Manchester's Johnny Roadhouse music shop, is also campaigning against the new laws.

He said: "These reforms are ill-thought out, like using a large sledgehammer to crack a tiny nut. Parts of this reform could be considered an infringement of human rights."

The Government has invited individuals and groups to offer their views on the new proposals.

Tell us what you think in our poll at www.thisisbolton.co.uk/leisure/poll.html