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Ombudsman for PRS for Music, on 0330 440 1601 - or see the website:
www.prsformusic-ombudsman.org.
3) Phonographic Performance Licence (”PPL”)
While PRS licences relate to the copyright in the music itself, there is a separate licence
issued by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) which relates to the actual
recording, whether on a CD, tape, or other format.
If you play music in your B&B or guest house "in public" from a record, tape, compact
disc, video, etc, you require a PPL licence.
There are two types of PPL licence: 1) for the use of sound recordings as background
music in breakfast rooms, bars and lounges, and 2) for the use of sound recordings as a
featured attraction (eg at dances or discos)
Following a successful court case brought by the British Hospitality Association (BHA)
and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) against Phonographic Performance
Limited (PPL) about the level of fees charged for licences, the PPL has issued a form
you can use to claim a refund. This refund will be the difference between the fee paid
between 2006 and 2009 and the fee set by the tribunal. However, there are a couple of
caveats to this refund. a) A refund cannot be claimed if the total repayment for the
period is less than £50
b) If during that period you have paid your licence late, the tribunal has allowed PPL to
charge 50% more, which reduces the amount of refund you are entitled to.
For further infomation, go to www.ppluk.com
4) DVD Concierge Licence (Filmbank)
Many B&Bs offer their guests a DVD or video 'film library' - ie lending guests
prerecorded films on DVD or video to watch them in the comfort of their own room.
However, whether you charge or not, such "lending" is legally considered commercial
as it takes place in the context of a commercial transaction, ie the payment for a room on
a B&B basis.
The purchase of films on DVD or video, or even receiving them free of charge (eg with
a newspaper or magazine), confers on you the right to watch the film yourself in your
home, but not to play the film in a "commercial" context, such as to paying guests.
Filmbank, part of Warner Bros., has launched the "DVD Concierge Licence" to raise
funds for the copyright holders (ie the Hollywood film studios), by allowing hotels,
B&Bs or guest houses to use their own "DVD libraries" for lending to guests, paying for
the copyright permission by means of the Licence.
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