Letters – Points on the licence

From Mark Pemberton, Chief Executive of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association
While I have sympathy with Louise Owen?s concerns about licensing of children (AP issue 104, 29 August), I have to point out she is wrong to say ?a licence is mandatory for all child performers? and that this applies equally to the commercial and community sectors. There are exemptions from licensing, predominantly to accommodate the amateur sector. The requirement to provide a medical certificate only applies if the child is performing for more than a week, and on six days in a week, and also for any film or television performance. Permission is not required from the headteacher if the child does not need to take time off school. And not all Local Education Authorities require that chaperones be interviewed and be subject to a CRB check.