SETE Urges Culture Minister to ‘Reconsider’ Controversial Greek Music Quota Bill

Following reactions by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) and the Greek film industry, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) is also calling on Culture Minister Lina Mendoni to reconsider a controversial bill which requires hotels, airports, malls, casinos, and ports to play a certain percentage of Greek-language music.

“The tourism sector is caught by surprise and faced with legislative initiatives that concern it without previous consultation,” said SETE President Yiannis Paraschis in a letter to Mendoni, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogiani, and State Minister Akis Skertsos.

SETE goes on to add that in addition to being an intervention to the free operation of the market, the imposition of a Greek-language music quota will backfire “constituting a very serious disincentive for the public performance of music, leading many companies to the decision to remove music from public spaces”.

SETE President Yiannis Paraschis.

Referring to other European countries where similar quota policies apply, SETE said these concern state-funded radio stations and in no way private enterprises.

“SETE acknowledges the importance of intellectual and related rights, which it also respects. However, we are opposed to regulations which directly interfere with business operation, create unjustified problems, and impact the country’s tourism product,” said the letter.

The association calls on the minister to formulate a clear legal framework concerning collective and neighboring rights and set specific fees for use.

Minister: Quota rule applies in lounges and elevators

In interviews to Greek media, Mendoni has clarified that the quota rule in hotels applies only to public spaces such as lounge areas and elevators and not to bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs, pool areas, or entertainment venues.

The bill, which is open for public deliberation until Thursday, requires that music played in public areas consist of a minimum of 45 percent Greek-language songs or instrumental renditions. The tourism minister has made no comment on the issue.