Community groups to be charged for playing music!

NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisations, such as charities, churches and community halls are to face new charges in order to play music at events. A licence is required and fees will be payable for any use of recorded music for public performance.

Community groups were previously exempt from paying public performance fees for recorded music, but PPL the music licensing company introduced new charges at the beginning of this year which will take effect (in most cases) from 1st January 2012. This will mean that public venues, including those used by charities and not-for-profit groups, will need licences in order to play music from records, CDs, the radio or television.

PPL say that they hope to be able to bring the cost of a licence, to cover uses by charities and not-for-profit groups, down in most cases to approximately £1 a week, but have announced that organisations with an income above £10,000 will have to pay 1 per cent of their “defined income” in order to play music at licensed events. Those with an income below the £10,000 threshold will pay a flat year annual fee of £42. 

Any third party hire of a community building by an individual or organisation that is earning a commercial income from their use of the building (e.g.Weight Watchers, self employed aerobics instructors, and antiques fairs) will need a relevant licence in place. But it is the responsibility of the operator of the hall to ensure that the person/organisation has a relevant licence in place as they can be held liable under law for any unlicensed usage in their building.

If you only run live music events, you will only need a PRS for Music licence. A PPL licence is only required when recorded music is used.

For specific information relating to your community building or use of a community building where recorded music is played - then read the information contained in the PPL media statement.

Source: CivilSociety.co.uk