Pay up clubs!!

[Chantel]

Musicians want clubs to pay up
-Christine Sams
June 18, 2006, SMH

MUSICIANS have accused nightclub owners of being unfair and stingy, in a battle over fees paid for music played inside clubs.

Owners pay a licensing fee of seven cents per person for the music played inside their club - a figure musicians say is unfair, given clubs often charge $2.80 for a bottle of water.

"According to nightclub operators our music is worth considerably less than water," said Lindy Morrison, a former member of the Go-Betweens. "Compare this to hefty cover charges and drink prices at these venues and it is simply an insult to artists."

The Federal Court's Copyright Tribunal is hearing a case launched by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia on behalf of musicians and record companies. They want the licensing fee lifted from seven cents to $2.32 by 2012.

While club executives have claimed the rise in fees will affect door prices, musicians have suggested poker machine revenue would be more than enough to cover rising fees.

"It seems to be really unreasonable and churlish to be complaining about the cost of music," Ms Morrison said. "This is like someone complaining about paying for electricity - music is the essential part of nightclubs and it should be paid for."

A decision is expected from the tribunal at the end of the week.