100% Venues

 

→January 2022: We launched the 100% Venues directory, a public database of UK venues that charge zero commission on artists' merchandise sales - over 700 venues have signed up to our directory - register your venue here.

→November 2022: We teamed up the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) and Canadian artist Cadence Weapon for a North American extension of the campaign.

→July 2023: Supported by over 80 industry organsations and companies, we published an open letter, reemphasising the call for change, requesting the help of artists, fans, venues, and other industry professionals to sign our petition in support of the campaign and back the FOUR principles (see below).

→August 2023: Academy Music Group reduced commissions to 15% at its network of O2 Academy venues across the UK.

→May 2024: UK’s Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee calls on the music industry to adhere to the FAC’s 100% Venues Campaign.

→Support acts must never be subject to commission charges on merchandise sales.

→Artists should be offered the option to staff and operate merchandise operations at their own shows.

→There must be no surprises for artists regarding commission rates when they get to the venue - rates must be agreed up front.

→Every show must be open to negotiation on merchandise commissions.

 

While we continue to push more UK venues to join, we want to equip you with alternative options for selling merch, so you’re able to avoid the punitive fees. This will also add pressure to the venues who currently aren’t listening to the voices of so many artists. Read our ideas below and get in touch if you think of any we should add!

The relationship between artists and venues is essential and inseparable, forming one of the most important partnerships in the music ecosystem.  One of the key revenue sources for touring artists is the sale of merchandise at gigs. Often, that revenue represents the difference between a gig breaking even or losing money.

As outlined in our first Kitemark published in 2021 in partnership with the Association of Independent Promoters, the FAC does not condone the imposition of punitive fees for selling merchandise, where those fees are not directly related to the cost of doing so.  When fans buy merchandise from artists that they love, they want and expect that their money will go to supporting that artist. In order to celebrate those gold-standard venues who support artist careers by charging zero commission on the merchandise they sell at gigs, we have launched 100% Venues.

We are grateful to the venues that have already signed up. Venue owners and promoters, continue to spread the word and if you are not currently listed and are commission free, please register below so that we can celebrate your support for artists. The sign up form takes less than a minute to complete.

 

Artists! Fans!

Here’s how you can support the 100% Venues campaign…

Download and share our ‘How To’ assets below, and also download the 100% Venues badge for your social media channels, to let artists and fans know you support our campaign.