Community buildings in a changing landscape Chapter 4

Music licenses Chapter 4

PRS for Music and PPL PRS – The Performing Rights Society (PRS) for Music collects and distributes fees for the use of musical compositions (including lyrics) on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers. PPL – The Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) collects and distributes fees for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers Copyright law exists to protect music in different ways. Businesses and organisations that play music in public will often require a licence from both PRS for Music and PPL. In this training module you will hear a lot about PRS for Music and PPL so you will need to know the difference between the two organisations

Implications for Community Buildings Playing music in public requires the permission of the copyright owner The use of music in community buildings is Licensed by PRS for Music and PPL From 1 st January 2012 no exemptions apply to community buildings A joint licence is available from PRS for Music.

Timescales for change No action required until your existing PRS for Music licence is due for its annual renewal in 2012 Initial joint licence will incorporate a one-off additional PPL charge for the period 1 st January 2012 – your renewal date PLUS the PPL and PRS for Music charges for the subsequent 12 months

PPL charges PPL tariff applies to the same types of community buildings and uses same definition of “income” as PRS for Music. Charges will be calculated as follows: Income Fee < £10,000 £42 £10, % of annual income

Failure to have a PPL Licence and PRS Licence is a criminal offence.

For further information please contact RAY on