Berghain to close in January?

Berghain is reportedly set to close after New Year’s Eve, following a restructuring of Germany’s royalties system.

Owners of the legendary Berlin club told the Guardian their royalties bill would increase by 1,400 per cent. Watergate, another popular Berlin venue, has said that it is also threatened with closure following the hike.

GEMA, Germany’s largest collections agency, has been accused of attempting to end Germany’s all-night club scene by imposing an additional 50 per cent fee on all events lasting more than five hours. The new rules are currently subject to legal challenge.