[quote name='dood' timestamp='1339667895' post='1692186']
The venue that the band is performing at should hold a PRS entertainment license. Some of the cost of the license is said to cover (on average) any cover versions / disco tracks being played. This money should get back to the copyright owner via the license fee? Not that I have ever seen that detailed on a royalty payment myself!!
I once played a covers gig and two retired ladies came in with PRS cards asking for a list of the covers that we play, as the venue was getting a 'spot check' from PRS. I assume these surveys are to get an idea what material is being performed in venues, but I can certainly see that this isn't an exhaustive survey!
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PRS send scouts out to find out what songs are being performed most and how many covers are played in bars, pubs, venues ect. and then charge a fee based on averages. It's a big operation.