Greece’s Hoteliers to Take Music Quota Decision to Court if Needed  

Hoteliers across Greece warned this week that they would be taking a recent Culture Ministry bill setting a minimum 45 percent Greek songs and music quota to court if the bill is not withdrawn.

In a joint statement, 55 hotelier associations representing more than 7,000 hotels in Greece under the umbrella of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) are calling on the ministry to withdraw the controversial bill which was open for public consultation until Thursday.

Hoteliers argue that similar quota systems implemented in France, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, and Slovakia concern state-funded radio stations and not private enterprises.

They go on to stress that the bill is “intrusive”, goes against the principles of the liberal market, and will backfire as business owners will simply chose not to play music in public spaces altogether.

Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Ioannis Hatzis. Photo source: POX

Earlier this week, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said that it 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,” it said in a letter.

Hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are reiterating their call on the government to drop the bill and instead proceed with a clear framework of cooperation between hotels and collective rights organizations as well as set affordable and specific fees in this direction.

Should the ministry proceed with the quota regulation, hoteliers warn that they will take the matter to court in Greece and Europe.

Tourism minister expresses ‘reservations’ about proposed quota system

Commenting for the first time on the issue during the Greece Talks conference held this week in Thessaloniki, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said the ministry had “reservations” about the proposed quota system. “These kinds of arrangements have a completely different ideological starting point,” she said, “I cannot even imagine the state interfering in the market.”

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

Kefalogianni went on to describe the decision as an “unacceptable intervention in the liberal market”.

“We are in favor of supporting artists, but not in this way,” she said, adding that “no one in tourism is saying that copyrights should not be collected but this shatters all efforts by artists and creators.”

Kefalogianni went on to add that “Greek music repertoire must be supported,” but relevant legislation “must be the product of consultation with all stakeholders.”

It should be noted that speaking to local media earlier this week, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has clarified that the quota would apply only to enterprises that choose to implement the decision. Referring to hotel businesses, she said these will be required to play Greek language music or instrumental renditions in lounge areas and elevators and not in bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs, pool areas, or entertainment venues.