SACEM
Hi Valerie
I have received a letter from SACEM asking, as a gîte owner, that I pay to have a licence for TVs and any music in all the properties. I have searched online for more information about this but there seems to be conflicting information.
Although the fee is quite reasonable I am confused as to why I am being asked to pay this as there is no communal area where music can be played. SACEM’s argument is that the music could ‘leak’ and be heard across the property! It also appears that people who haven’t paid have then received visits from SACEM representatives and threats to pay or they will be fined for copyright infringement.
I read a couple of articles in The Connexion on this subject that both Gîtes de France a CléVacances are trying to get more clarification on this subject but the upshot seems to be you have to pay it now as a gîte owner. This can work out as a substantial chunk of your turnover, especially, if like me you have more than one property.
Katy