Small Business – Playing Music At Work – Are You Legal?

Written by on September 4, 2008
Categories: Business People, Business Startup

Posted by: Paul Stanford

 

Playing Music At Work – Are You Legal?

 

Many small businesses are unaware that they may be breaking the law when it comes to playing the radio at work. Did you realise that if for example you are hairdressers and you play the radio for some background music to entertain your employees and customers then you need a licence from the Performing Rights Society (PRS) to do so? Equally if you are a garage and your mechanics listen to the radio whilst they work then you also need the same licence? If not, then you are breaking the law and risk being contacted by the PRS and them demanding payment.

 

OK perhaps you did know this because much has been written about it lately as the PRS has been quite active of late in pursuing businesses for this “illegal” practice. However, did you also realise that you will likely need a PPL licence as well? PPL licences are needed for the public playing of the actual “sound recordings” – e.g. tapes, CDs and records. Royalties are paid to the record company. The PPL licence makes sure everyone who performed on the recorded piece of music – e.g. backing singers, musicians, percussionists – get paid.

 

So there you go – think twice before turning on the radio – remember you have been warned!

Paul Stanford is a Director of 4Momentum http://www.4momentum.co.uk. 4Momentum provides business advisory services to small businesses, charities and social enterprises primarily in Sussex. Services include advice on starting a business, growing and transforming a business and selling a business. Clients typically contract 4Momentum for short periods of an hour to long term consultancy over many months for advice on subjects such as mentoring, business planning, sales and marketing advice, bidding for contracts, raising finance and general business advice. Paul is approved by the UK Government to deliver business advice on their behalf through Business Link and is a member of the Institute of Business Consultants. Visit his blog at http://www.paulstanford.co.uk/blog

Copyright 2008 Paul Stanford

 

 

 

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