I believe there should be an exemption,as regards live performance for venues such as FOLK CLUBS,

Absolutely spot on, Dick. The small folk club, jazz club, open-mike idie venue etc. etc. are treated in just the same way as the big boys and the PRS representatives make no exceptions. These 'bully boys' seem to be paid on result, Like parking attendents. I could be wrong but I can see no other reason for it. They will cajole, bluster and finaly threaten if the owner of a venue does not pay up. There is no reasoning with them. Believe me - I have tried!

Cheers

DeG