ACS

Music can now be played in workplaces with four or fewer staff for less than £1 a week.

Small workplaces wishing to obtain a music licence can now pay a reduced flat rate of £44 per annum + VAT – whereas before, it would have cost them around £84.

The change – which is a reduction of almost 50 per cent - was brought in by PRS (Performing Rights Society) for Music after consultation with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and its wider membership.

Currently over 350,000 businesses hold a music licence in the UK but many FSB members had indicated they were unsure of how much a licence would cost for small workplaces – and some of the smallest businesses had found the charges too high.

Commenting on the recent changes Keith Gilbert, MD Public Performance Sales said: “We’ve listened to our customers and realise that it is an exceptionally difficult trading time at present. Introducing this new reduction will make it possible for small workplaces to use all the music they need whilst still ensuring that content creators are fairly compensated.”

The new charge underlines PRS for Music’s commitment to extend the commercial use of music in the nation’s businesses whilst being mindful of the tough trading conditions many businesses face at present. Research has shown that music enhances a working environment and many businesses feel staffs are more productive if allowed to listen to music whilst working.

The reduced price is available now and businesses wishing to obtain a music licence should contact PRS for Music on 0800 068 4828 to discuss their licensing requirements.

ACS are involved in a similar legal case against  PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd) addressing steep fee increases in 2006.  We are currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal is expected sometime this year which could potentially see retailers receiving refunds.