Retailers Win Music Battle & Close in on Millions in Overpaid Fees
A group of interested parties which includes ACS has today won a ruling over PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) with regard to music recordings in retail establishments. The hearing, conducted by The Copyright Tribunal states that PPL’s tariffs for the playing of music are “unreasonable” and that “the previous tariffs in relation to shops and stores, public houses, bars, restaurants and cafes and factories and offices should all be reinstated.”
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are delighted by the decision of the Copyright Tribunal. We have been campaigning for these charges to be lifted since their inception in 2006 and are please to see that retailers will finally receive a fairer deal on in-store music tariffs.”
The rates previously imposed by PPL saw tariffs for music shops raise by as much as 192%, while tariffs for pubs and restaurants were raised by up to 419%. The reinstatement of the previous rates will include a 10% increase to each fee “to take account of the new broadcasting rights in sound recordings.”
If the ruling is upheld, retailers could benefit from up to £20million in overpaid fees, as well as savings of around £5million per year. However, PPL is currently appealing against the decision.
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. The full report by the Copyright Tribunal can be found at
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/ct-2009-10-19.pdf
3. The list of interested parties, as represented by Eversheds are as follows: The British Hospitality Association, The British Beer and Pub Association, ASDA, the Arcadia Group, the Association of Convenience Stores, the British Retail Consortium, the Music Users’ Council and the vast majority of the specialist background music providers in the UK.