Arthington show could be forced to close by a proposed tax levy, it is being claimed.

Organisers of the event, which has an 88-year history, say it would be unable to continue in the face of the tax they describe as one of "Blair's blows to the farming community."

Officials from other events, including the Otley Show, are also warning of the potentially damaging consequences of the Government's plans.

The change in the rules would mean the imposition of a levy of between £5,000 and £50,000 on any public entertainment event with more than 6,000 visitors, which uses temporary structures and serves alcohol.

The money would go to the local council and would be used to pay for health and safety checks at the events.

The proposals have drawn condemnation from the Country Land and Business Association, which has said it will lobby against them.

The National Trust, the Historic Houses Association, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions and the Visitor Attractions Forum have also expressed concerns.

The CLA has warned that the measures, contained in a consultation paper reviewing the licensing system, could have a severe effect on many of Yorkshire's agricultural shows.

And its warning was echoed this week by the secretary of Arthington show Lesley Baines.

She stressed: "We are still struggling to get back on track after foot and mouth.If this proposal goes ahead it would not be viable for us to continue.

"There is an educational element to the show introducing local youngsters to farming practices and allowing them to take part in events alongside more professional show jumpers and cattle breeders."

She said: "We also market local produce and crafts. We are a registered charity and do not run for profit but any money we do make is ploughed back into the next year's show.

"It would be a great shame for it to come to an end after 88 years -- it would be another of Blair's blows to the farming community."

The secretary of Otley Show, Janet Raw, said that although the details were not clear as yet, the tax would probably only affect the stalls selling alcohol.

But she stressed: "Obviously any tax levied at any agricultural show after what we have gone through in the last five or six years will be a blow."

If the proposals do become reality, some shows may have to re-examine their stance on the sale of alcohol.

Ms Raw said the Otley committee might have to consider whether to allow the continued sale of alcohol. But she described a ban on booze as a "possibility - but not a probability."

The Government says all major events currently have to have a licence but the charges can vary tremendously. It claims the proposals would be better for many people, and would only apply to activities which needed to be licensed.