Many employers are unaware that playing any kind of music in the workplace constitutes a public performance, and so to do so requires a music licence from the Performance Rights Society (PRS) to stay within the law.
Employers require a licence to play music from radios, CDs, TVs, over a telephone system and even for live music performances.
Failure to obtain such a licence can result in a hefty bill, as many businesses have found out to their cost:
- St. Joseph's Workshops in Wigan, a maker of communion wafers, were cold-called by the PRS, who subsequently sent them a bill for £97.62 after discovering that the company allowed workers to listen to a radio in their workshop.
- Anthony Rana, owner of a patisserie in Sheffield, was told he had to obtain a music licence despite the fact that he only played talk radio stations in his workplace.
- Shep Plastics in Sussex were threatened with court action if employees played music that colleagues may overhear without a licence.
- Dam House, a charitable organisation based in Wigan, were told they would have to purchase a £230 licence if they continued to play music in their kitchen. After admitting that the venue was used for carol singing during the festive period, the price of the licence was raised to £470, as many Christmas carols are still in copyright.
One of the few instances in which a licence is not needed is if employees listen to MP3 players or other personal music devices through headphones, ensuring that no-one else can hear it.
The cost of a music licence varies depending on the type of workplace or organisation and the number of people listening. More information can be found on the PRS website.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
