The board's decision is the conclusion of a case that started last year, when suspicions arose of cartelisation between 10 Danish venues that had systematically shared information about artist pricing. Subsequently, focus was placed on several venues that were also suspected of having entered into illegal price agreements.

Artists and musicians must get a fair deal

The Danish Artist Association is pleased that the case has been investigated by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority and that the serious suspicion has been closed with a clear warning.

There must be no doubt about the terms of artists' and musicians' price negotiations, and venues must follow the same rules as everyone else, says Jens Skov Thomsen, Head of Law:

"Artists and musicians have the right to free and fair negotiations and I'm very pleased that the agency has taken the issue seriously and investigated the matter. They have now tightened the rules for 38 venues, so they have put the cupboard where it belongs. The venues have received the equivalent of a yellow card, and this warning gives them the opportunity to make corrections here and now. It's a good ending for the entire industry that points to the future"

No illegalities but problematic behaviour

In the processing of the case, the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has gathered material and visited several venues. No decision has been made on whether the venues have engaged in illegal behaviour, and the agency believes that 'competition in the market can be strengthened by only issuing a guiding injunction'.

In a press release from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority, says Tine Rønde, Deputy Director of the Authority:

"It is our immediate opinion that the behaviour of the venues has been problematic in many cases, and we have decided to emphasise to the venues that the competition rules must be observed."

Dansk Live: An overhaul is welcome

The venues' own trade association, Dansk Live, welcomes the criticism and calls it "a good opportunity" to take up the issue again. "The venue environment needs a check-up," says CEO Esben Marcher to the online media Culture Monitor.

"It's positive for the individual venues that there are no further consequences, and for the venue and concert environment as a whole, an overhaul is welcome," he tells the media.

"Artists and musicians have the right to a free and fair negotiation and I am very pleased that the agency has taken the issue seriously and investigated the matter."

Jens Skov Thomsen - Head of Legal Affairs at the Danish Artist Association