Most  people use Tony Chen's Bondi Junction internet cafe to email friends or browse the internet. But if any of the backpackers or local residents frequenting his cafe, The Mouse Pad, were to illegally download music, Mr Chen - as the cafe's owner - could face up to five years in jail or fines of up to $60,500.

That was the stern warning yesterday from Music Industry Piracy Investigations, the Australian music industry's anti-piracy arm.

The organisation has released a guide for internet cafes, warning operators of their obligations in stopping music piracy.

 A federal police spokesman said internet cafe operators would not necessarily be held liable for customers' actions, but had a duty of care to prevent illegal activity on their premises.

Read more at The Sydney Morning Herald