I mostly concur with what Howard et al have said above, if you don't like the deal, no one is forcing you to accept.

I don't really know about Scotland's arrangements on this issue, but have some knowledge of northern England and Wales.

Hereabouts, there's plenty pubs etc which because've the smoking ban & other reasons aren't doing well & if their management's got any nous will do paid gigs – that is they'll pay bands direct without any 3rd parties taking a cut.

There's at least 6 local bands I know of who're versatile enough to be able to offer a broad spectrum of kinds of music ranging from Rock, Country & W, Pop, Folk-like stuff etc & some also able to be dance/ ceilidh bands.

With the help of the internet, it's much easier to self-publicise both on your own page, on music orientated sites like this one & via general notices on Facebook & similar.

Desktop- designed flyers/ posters photocopied cost next to nothing, so its easy-peasy to spread 'em round your area.

All these groups seem to have no probs such as have been mentioned, so why not all?

My advice is, don't play their games, play your game!