Performing Rights Society for Music (PRS for Music)Taken from the Autumn 2004 (Issue 57) South West Newsletter
Section Entitled "How Much does a PRS Licence Cost?" added 08/06/2005 Updated 24/02/2009 to reflect new costs of a licence and PRS name change. Q. I worry about whether we need a PRS for Music licence. What is the PRS?
A. The Performing Right Society for Music exists to collect and distribute music royalties on behalf of its members - composers, songwriters, authors and publishers of music. Thier official description is as follows. The Performing Right Society for Music (PRS for Music) represents a vast number of music creators and publishers of music and issues licences in the UK by virtue of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. Q. How much does a PRS for Music licence cost?
A. The cost of the PRS Licence/Permit to authorise the public performance of PRS-controlled copyright music (as at October 2009) is £24.30 (plus VAT). Unauthorised performances would be unlawful and constitute an infringement of copyright. Those teams who have received annual invoices from PRS for Music in the past will be billed automatically, as their renewal dates fall due. If you perform PRS-controlled copyright musical works in places such as residential homes which may not have their own licences, your team should have one. You can contact the PRS's National Sales Centre, Peterborough as follows:
Tel: 0800 068 48 28
Fax: 01733 312 912
E-mail:
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N.B. The PRS publish a very helpful booklet entitled "PRS at a glance" Q. How are the royalties collected?
A. By issuing a licence to the music user (usually charged on an annual basis). In order to then make royalty payments to its members, PRS needs to know what music is being played. Major users, such as the BBC and large concert venues, give PRS for Music detailed reports of the music they play. For many other venues including commercial discos, clubs and pubs, PRS for Music sends researchers to obtain first hand information. Q. How do I know if I'm affected by PRS for Music?
A. A PRS for Music Licence is required by anyone intending to perform music in public, by whatever means (live, jukebox, TV, radio etc.) and in venues as diverse as halls to hairdressers, discos to dentist waiting rooms. Q. So it's the venue that needs the licence?
A. Yes, the performers do not normally need to hold a PRS for Music licence. Usually the promoter of the performance or proprietor of the venue where it takes place is responsible. This could be a club manager, owner of a shop, or a managing director of a radio station. The licence holder may charge you a fee toward meeting his PRS for Music costs based on the size of the audience. Q So why do I read about HRGB teams having their own PRS for Music licence?
A. Because many teams perform in old people's homes and similar locations that don't have a PRS for Music licence (because they don't usually need one). In these circumstances the team gets the licence to cover itself Q. If we only play at venues which have a PRS for Music licence would we still need our own licence?
A. No. Q. If we do get one, presumably we don't then have to pay PRS for Music dues at a licensed venue?
A. I'm afraid you do; a team's licence only covers it for playing at unlicensed premises. Q. Is there any alternative to buying a licence?
A. Yes, if you belong to Making Music. They are introducing a system which enables you to declare, at the end of each year, what your PRS for Music liability is. Making Music is currently resolving several issues with PRS regarding the Declaration Forms. Q. My team performs mainly in a church - are we still liable for performing right fees?
A. Yes - unless the music "performance" is part of a church service, presided over by a religious celebrant, in which case it would be exempt. A large number of societies do perform their concerts in churches, and in almost all cases the church is treated as a concert venue like any other.
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