Well if I charged amounts like that, I couldn't afford to have guests, and that's all there is to it. We have guests on most occasions, and we charge (Australian) $12 ($10 concession or for members of any folk organisation) on those nights. I think that translates into about 4 pounds and 3 pounds. On session nights it's a flat $5 (a bit less than 2 pounds). Some clubs in Sydney charge a bit more, and a couple who have mainly session nights charge less.

With overseas guests or guests who are especially sought after, the most I have charged is $15/$12. We take just enough to get by. I'm not in it for the money, but neither can I afford to subsidise it either. There was only one occasion when I really had to fork out to make up a deficit, for an overseas guest who demanded a minimum, and frankly, she wasn't wonderful enough to get the necessary bums on seats - good, but just not outstanding enough. It turned out to be only an average night. All a learning experience I guess.

I've thought about having more session nights, but we already have lots of opportunities for the regulars to do floor spots, and most seem to like the variety of guests and floorspots. We've been around for 9 years, so we must be doing something right!