25 November 2010
PRS for Music waives charges for small B&Bs
PRS for Music announced today that B&Bs with three bedrooms or fewer will no longer be asked to pay for a PRS for Music licence (some conditions apply*). The decision follows customer feedback and consultation with VisitEngland, and is supported by VisitScotland, Visit Wales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board
The policy is being introduced as part of PRS for Music’s ongoing work to support small businesses and to make it easier for them to meet their copyright licensing obligations.
PRS for Music has contacted all customers who may benefit from the new policy and details can be found at: www.prsformusic.com/customernotifications
Debbie Mulloy, Commercial Director in the public performance licensing team said: “PRS for Music recognises the issues faced by small businesses. After all, most of 75,000 songwriters and publishers we represent are themselves small businesses. We want to get the right balance between the music creators and businesses using music. We’re very please to introduce the new policy - waiving charges for the smallest businesses in this sector.”
Pam Foden, Operations and Industry Engagement Manager, VisitEngland, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with PRS for Music to develop a new approach to licensing small B&Bs. PRS for Music has responded to calls from small businesses to review its approach and we feel this is fair outcome.”
PRS for Music represents 75,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, collecting and paying royalties when their music is played, performed or reproduced. Many of its members earn a vital living for their creative talent through television plays of their music both in the UK and internationally.
Charges for small B&Bs and guest houses, which don’t qualify for the policy, start from just £45 + VAT per year.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Who will benefit from the new policy?
With immediate effect, PRS for Music will not charge a licence fee for background music (including music via TV and radio) in holiday accommodation businesses meeting all the following criteria:
- The premises has 3 guest bedrooms or fewer
- The premises is the only holiday accommodation business operated or owned by the proprietors
- The premises is also the domestic residence of the proprietors
- The premises is not licensed for the sale of alcohol (by the local authority)
- Facilities are only available to resident guests
This policy also applies to single-unit self-catering businesses with 3 bedrooms or fewer, where this is the only self-catering unit operated/owned by the proprietors.
For more information, get in touch:
Nicola Formoy, Public Relations Manager:
nicola.formoy@prsformusic.com
02073064229 / 07539 837436
Barney Hooper, Head of PR:
barney.hooper@prsformusic.com
02073064548 / 07979 757052
PRS for Music:
PRS for Music represents 75,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.
PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.9bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data and comment for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up to date analysis, research and trends about the industry.
www.prsformusic.com
www.m-magazine.co.uk