Are you due a PPL pay-back?

Clubs, pubs, hotels and restaurants have been paying over the odds to the PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) for playing music on their premises. It is estimated that licensees have paid between £15m and £20m too much, following a court case between the PPL, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and British Hospitality Association (BHA).

Since 2005, alleged the BHA and BBPA, the PPL increased its fees by up to 403 per cent. The matter, which was referred to the Secretary of State four years and nine months ago, means that operators can expect to be refunded following the Copyright Tribunal’s decision to order the PPL to pay the money back. Payments will be delayed, however, as the PPL intends to appeal.

No refunds will be made for under £50 and those eligible for reimbursement can either calculate how much they are owed themselves or let the PPL do it on their behalf.

While the PPL is disappointed by the Copyright Tribunal’s decision, the BBPA’s chief executive, Brigid Simmons, has described the outcome of the case as a major victory for the industry.

In practice, the Tribunal’s decision means that a club playing CDs or a radio with an audible area of just under 400 metres would have paid £464.80 but will now only pay £110.