The sole director of Illusion Bar & Nightclub Peter Arhontogiorgis has been ordered to pay APRA AMCOS over $114,000 in licence fees, interest, court costs and additional damages for infringement of the Copyright Act 1968.
Judge Phillip Dowdy of the Federal Circuit Court said the case against the former operator of the Queensberry Street venue constituted a serious breach of copyright as well as a “complete and deliberate disregard of [APRA AMCOS’] rights” noting the “need to effect deterrence against similar infringements of copyright”.
The court action illustrates APRA AMCOS’ willingness to protect its members’ rights when venues are performing music in public without a licence.
“The majority of hotels, bars and nightclubs not only recognise the importance of music to their business and its ability to attract and hold clientele but understand they also have an obligation to ensure that songwriters are properly paid,” said AMPRA AMCOS head of revenue Richard Mallet.
“Unfortunately for Mr Arhontogiorgis he has found out what happens when you trade on the commercial benefits of music without paying for it”.
