Performing Right Society
Mark S. Elliott has spent 25 years working in various management roles within the tenanted and leased divisions of the UK's largest breweries and pub companies. His extensive knowledge and day-to-day involvement with pubs and publicans make him well qualified to know what is required to run a successful pub. He shares his knowledge and many 'insider tips' with you in this book. Mark is based in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
PERFORMING RIGHT SOCIETY
Background
The Performing Right Society (PRS) is a non-profit making membership organisation of composers, songwriters, authors and publishers of music. Its essential function is to collect and distribute music royalties on behalf of its members.
PRS Licence and fees
PRS collects royalties by issuing a licence to the music user, which is usually charged on an annual basis. If music is played to the public in your pub, then you are regarded as a ‘music user’, and are therefore required to obtain a licence from PRS and pay a fee to them. The amount depends on several factors:
- The type of equipment you use to play your music, eg TV, CD, radio.
- The size of your venue.
- The frequency of the performances.
Some examples of standard charges for pubs and bars are given below. (These charges are effective up to September 2007, and are shown before VAT.)
Category |
Annual charge |
Television in bar area (up to 120 sq m) |
£66.75 |
|
Price per session: |
Where to get a PRS licence
You can telephone PRS on 0800 068 48 28 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) to obtain a quotation for your premises or make out a licensing agreement. You can also apply for your licence on-line.
What happens if you do not take out a PRS licence?
If you use copyright music and do not apply for the relevant PRS licence, the PRS in most cases will take all reasonable steps to ensure that you are fully aware of your legal obligations and allow you time to obtain a licence before considering legal action, but this will depend on the circumstances. If, however, you still refuse to comply, the PRS will apply for an injunction to prevent you from using any copyright music until you take out a licence.
