Berlin clubs under threat with new law

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Berlin clubs under threat with new law


(Watergate, Berlin)

With self-employment tax laws sucking money out of the already struggling local musicians and artists in Berlin, the introduction of changes to the city administers royalty payments poses a huge threat to the historical institution of Berlin’s most iconic clubs.

Having historically charged venues a flat rate, GEMA – the governing body charged with collecting royalties in Germany, are introducing a system based on the size of the venue and a percentage of ticket prices. Events that last more than five hours will have to weather a 50% surcharge; if the party tips over the eight hour mark, a further 50% is due.

The new system is scheduled to come in to force on January 1 2013.

To make it easier for you to understand the change, Watergate night club in Berlin claim that their fees will jump from €10,000 to €200,000. and Berghain, who often hold 48+ hour events meanwhile, are in line for a 1400% fee hike.

Campaigning against GEMA has already begun with over 200,000 signatures gathered and a staged protest outside of the collection agency’s annual summer party  (ironic huh).

Sign the petition here.

“It’s dangerous not only for the clubs but for the whole of tourism, hotels, taxis, and whoever has something to do with the party industry,” said Ingo Damm, who runs regular trance nights at the KitKat Club. “It’s definitely a disaster for Berlin.”

Is the creativity and nightlife being sucked out of Berlin? What are your thoughts?

Maybe the clubs will start to look like these photos of German venues after everyone has left?

source: the guardian

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