Publicans told to be wary of fake karaoke CDs
Publicans have been urged to be vigilant when hosting karaoke nights following the arrest of a man for supplying counterfeit backing CDs.
Rhondda Cynon Taff Trading Standards officers, with assistance from South Wales police, raided a house in Tonyrefail and discovered a home-based duplicating facility where it is believed karaoke discs were being illegally copied.
The discs could be home-copied at a fraction of the cost of genuine discs and sold on to operators of karaoke evenings, including licensees.
Publicans who host karaoke evenings would be in danger of breaching copyright laws if the discs were used on their premises and could be liable to prosecution or heavy fines.
The raid is the latest in an on-going series of investigations into the supply of fake karaoke discs and fake jukebox CDs. It was co-ordinated by the MCPS Anti Piracy-Unit, which represents the rights of the UK's songwriters and music publishers.
Nick Kounoupias, spokesman for the unit, said: "I would encourage South Wales publicans who host karaoke evenings to assure themselves that discs brought on to their premises are legitimate in order to ensure they are not unwittingly infringing copyright.
"Legal discs are easily identifiable - they have printed faces and are silver on the playing side. The term "back-up disc" is often used to describe a counterfeit karaoke disc. This is merely an attempt at justification since there is no such thing as a legitimate back-up disc."
The arrested man has been questioned and released on police bail. He may now face offences under the Trade Descriptions Act (1968).
Mr Kounoupias added: "We are grateful for the continued support of trading standards departments in South Wales. With their help, we will continue to seek out and prosecute those involved in the illegal copying of music. Those found guilty of these offences face potential imprisonment and heavy fines."
Any licensees who have information about counterfeit discs are asked to call the new Copyright Advice & Anti-Piracy Hotline in confidence on 0845 603 4567.
