In early March, Jukes Direct of southern California created a controversy when it announced a plan to sell downloading jukeboxes directly to locations. Both the operating and distributing segments of the industry were in an uproar.
In a twist to the story, the company had been listed to exhibit at the Nightclub & Bar Show guidebook, which would have offered prime exposure directly to locations. However, Jukes Direct never showed for the expo. In a statement after the show in March, the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) suggested that Jukes Direct withdrew from the bar show, and possibly altered its original sales plan, because the company and its supporters felt both direct and peripheral grassroots protests from organized operators against direct sales. Recognizing the importance of tavern locations, both the American Amusement Machines Association (AAMA) and AMOA represented the industry. Six AAMA members displayed their products in 10 booths as part of the AAMA’s Location Trade Show Program. AMOA was also well represented by an association contingent.
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