Topsie: on further thought I don't think sampling applies to the BBC's broadcasts. They religiously report everything, because being very public they have to do these things correctly. I haven't checked the details of our other bits of airplay: maybe they were covered in a separate return.

George: my point was that the PRS could safely ignore events where the only "payment" is increased sales of drinks just because a number of people happen to be using the pub for a social gathering (which happens to be a singaround). The whole turnover for such an event should be beneath their radar. As soon as a performer is paid, whether by the pub or by a folk club using it, the thing should becomes a commercial venture, what the licensing people call "putting on entertainment" - then license fees seem fair enough, payable by the pub or by the club as appropriate.

It wouldn't be difficult to make the distinction between one and the other.

Anahata