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Chamber raises awareness of the cost of playing music in the workplace Print E-mail
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is today seeking to raise awareness of the costs of playing music in the work place.

It has made the move in response to complaints from businesses about the activities of the Performing Rights Society. Owners say they are actively being pursued for money when – unlike awareness levels for TV licences – there is very little knowledge of the need to pay for separate licences for use of radios.

PRS officials have called firms telling them that, if they play music on a workplace radio, they need a licence - costing between £90-£400, depending on the size of the business.

One Sheffield business which has been affected is Patisserie Anthony, a patisserie-cafe in Fulwood, run by Anthony Rana.

Mr Rana said: “I was told that I had to pay the PRS licence fee even though I only play talk radio in the cafe. I thought PRS was for performers, not spoken word.

“As an ex-musician I understand the issues but I do feel this whole area needs to be reviewed and better publicised particularly in respect of small, developing businesses are trying to become established.”

For the time being Mr Rana has switched off and will consider his next steps in the New Year.

Nigel Tomlinson, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: "We've received several complaints from members on this issue, and we're particularly concerned about the way they are being contacted by the PRS.

“While we recognise the need for companies to comply, many of our members are completely unaware of the PRS and the need for a licence and in fact have contacted us believing the phone calls to be a potential scam. The law seems to be unclear in this area, creating confusion among businesses.”

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Chambers of Commerce across the country have been telling me that the PRS has been ramping up its efforts to get money out of businesses.

“Due to the complete lack of information on the law many businesses are seeing this as yet another extra tax they have to pay. The PRS needs to tell people what the law is and why it exists before demanding money.”

Anthony is available for interviews and photos. Nigel Tomlinson is available for interview. Both can be contacted through HR Media Ltd.
 
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