Well you may not need one but you should be aware that when you play any music in a public place to employee’s or customers so that includes internet radio players on your PC or a radio in your office or workshop or a radio plugged into your Phone system for callers left on hold or a CD Player or MP3 device plugged into any of the aforementioned devices this is in fact breaking copyright law and depriving Writers and performers of the royalties they are justifiably entitled to expect you to pay. Sounds harsh I know but it is law and you can be fined by the PRS (Performing Rights Society) which represents some 60,000 UK songwriters and composers throughout the UK. Currently the PRS is writing to tens of thousands of small businesses to make them aware of the legal action that can result if you are found to be breaking this law. If you don’t contact them and secure the use of the music you are broadcasting you could face legal action for copyright infringement and may become liable to pay damages and costs.

A PRS license starts from just £66.00 per annum depending on the size of the business and the way it is being played and it’s not all bad news! The PRS is also making us all aware at the same time of how music played to employees during working hours improves efficiency and lowers stress levels etc or in other words trying to add value to the cost of paying the license! For advice and information about where you stand legally and how much a license will cost your business contact the Performing Rights Society as follows: 

Performing Rights Society or 0800 068 4828

Oh, and if your one of my many customers; just call me if your not sure what to do?

Some of you will be using a license paid music on hold disc that is exempt from this law but that does not include those allowing their staff to play any music at all in the office on any device!