Former Operator Of Melbourne Nightclub Ordered To Pay Over $100,000 To APRA AMCOS

The sole director of Melbourne's Illusion Bar & Nightclub, Peter Arhontogiorgis, has been ordered to pay APRA AMCOS over $100,000 in licence fees, interest, court costs and additional damages for playing music in the venue without a license.

Judge Philip Dowdy of the Federal Circuit Court last week said the case against the former director of the Carlton establishment "constitutes a serious breach of copyright" as well as a "complete and deliberate disregard of [APRA AMCOS'] rights".

APRA AMCOS' Head Of Revenue, Richard Mallett, said, "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.

"Unfortunately for Mr Arhontogiorgis he has found out what happens when you trade on the commercial benefits of music without paying for it."