The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), the licensing arm for musical and literary works, has recorded a near-complete compliance from hotel and pub owners organising New Year parties in the city, which is a far cry from last year’s scenario. Officials said around 400 organisers conducting New Year’s Eve celebrations have paid the royalty fees for playing copyrighted music, in a significant improvement from last year when only half the number of organisers had complied.

“We have received royalty fees from almost 400 hotels, pubs and New Year events this time, which is almost double the number last year,” said GG Prasad, senior general manager (western region), IPRS. “Only three hotels have not complied, and we will send legal notices to them on Monday.”

Prasad said the improvement was mainly because of the Copyright Amendment Bill passed in May entitling artistes to royalties.

“Till last year, we hardly received royalty from establishments in Thane and Navi Mumbai. We have been able to successfully cover all these areas this year,” said Prasad.