For failing to pay music licence fees pertaining to its members, the proprietors of the well-known La Parada, Tiger’s Milk, and Old Town Italy restaurant brands have been charged criminally by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA).
SAMPRA filed a criminal complaint against the Life and Brand Portfolio restaurant business, which also includes Lucky Fish and Chips, Live Bait, and Harbour House, at the Woodstock police station.
According to the music rights organisation, the establishments have been performing songs by its members for audiences all over the nation, but they haven’t paid them for it.
SAMPRA Chief Executive, Pfanani Lishivha stated that it was the organization’s responsibility to make sure artists receive their compensation. According to her, they could not just watch as artists were taken advantage of.
Lishivha reported that they have been in unsuccessful talks with the restaurant chain firm for the previous four years.
“Litigation is not our preferred approach when it comes to licensing music users. It really is a last resort.”
The restaurants owned by Life and Brand Portfolio have multiple outlets across the country. In Gauteng, their prominent Tiger’s Milk brand has branches in Fourways, Bedfordview, Northcliff, Melrose Arch, Randburg, and five other locations. KwaZulu Natal has just three branches, two of which are in Westville and one in uMhlanga. While there are twelve franchises in the Western Cape, including those in Century City, Blouberg, and Long Street.
The public’s response to the news of the legal action has been divided; some believe it will serve as an example for companies looking to avoid paying royalties.
