[russell_ram]

"How much more tax will Thieving Gormless Gorden demand?"

Sorry but this is NOT a tax (for a change).

As pointed out by Steve in one of the first replies, this is about you having to pay to use a performers property, that he has produced to make a living, to entertain the public. I don't personally see a problem here really - would it be OK if I came round and borrowed your car to entertain some people with test drives (for free)? Probably not.

Admittedly there is a fine line between using a (for instance) radio or CD player for your own entertainment and using it for public 'broadcast'. If I had one on in my garage at home, should i turn it off when my mate comes round? - however the sentiment of the requirement is there to protect musicians and to earn them income from the use of their property.

Russ