Fire rages in nightclub [The Age].

The Palace has been surrounded by security fences since it's closure in May.

I guess this saves them the trouble of ripping it down...

Venue's who exist mostly to entertain with music (nightclubs with DJs and dance parties) must now pay much larger copyright fees per person [copyright.org.au].

Nightclubs must pay $1.05 per person, up from $0.07, an dance parties must pay $3.05 per person, up from $0.20.

The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia is responsible for collecting these fees. They differ from APRA in complicated ways. I believe APRA is for licensing the composition (ie. the "song") while PPCA is for licensing the recording.

See the PPCA press release (PDF):

PPCA Chief Executive Stephen Peach said the decision was a pleasing step forward and endorsed PPCA's argument that recording artists and labels deserved a fairer return. "The music is the key to attracting patrons and driving revenue in these venues. The Tribunal has recognised its important role and accepted our evidence in support of a rate rise."

"This is a modest increase when considering nightclub operators typically charge $10.00 per person for admission, $5.00 for a drink, $2.80 for a bottle of water and $2.00 to hang up a coat", Mr Peach said.