In reply to alanabit, I made the same point: that a problem arises when PRS puts venues in danger. This happened (over 20 years ago) to a folk club I was involved with; the landlord took such umbrage at the attitude of the PRS rep that he refused to pay on principle. He eventually reconsidered, fortunately, but his first reaction was nothing to do with the cost but with the arrogant attitude of the PRS rep.

I like the idea of a club licence, which would remove the responsibility from the landlord. Some landlords welcome music because they enjoy it, some tolerate it because they may sell a few more pints, but some see it as part of the pub's place in the community. Folk is very seldom a commercial thing for them (unlike a pub actually booking a band).

My main comment was aimed at those earlier posters who seem to think that just because it is not a commercial event the creator of the music has no right to expect recompense.

In reply to Dan Plews, the PRS needs to make it easier to submit returns. They don't even seem to have a form to download. The fact is, returns are a lot of paperwork for them, its easier for them to rely on sampling from only a few venues. Surely in this day and age they could have an online return which could collect and apportion the fees automatically.

But who would do it? The pub landlord who holds the licence isn't involved with the music. If it's a formal club, there will be an organiser, but for informal sessions there's often no one in charge.

In 40 years in folk music, both as a paid and unpaid performer, I've only been asked to provide information for PRS returns at the bigger festivals and by the BBC.