Last Call for PPL proposed changes to Small Hotels tariff related to the use of TVs in guests rooms

PPL covers the copyright licensing related to the provision of recorded music in business properties. A license is required regardless of how this music is delivered, ie., by CDs or downloads, via radio or through TVs.

PPL are currently consulting regarding proposed changes to Small Hotels tariff related to the use of TVs in guests rooms. This change has been brought about as a consequence of a ECJ ruling back in 2012 that found that a copyright license was required in order for accommodation operators to provide music via television and/or radios bedrooms.

While large hotels (those with 15+ bedrooms) have been subject to the copyright license for the provision of music in guests' rooms since 2013, the PPL has provided an exemption for small hotels meaning that you only paid a license to provide music to guests in communal areas. However, the PPL now plans to end this exemption. This means that if you are an operator with fewer than 15 bedrooms who provides TVs or radios in guests bedroom and uses music in communal areas (eg., piped music in reception, a TV in the guest lounge or a radio in the breakfast room) your PPL copyright fee is set to almost double from £59.79 per annum to £115.19 per annum.

There is, however, one piece of good news. The PPL is also proposing to provide a total exemption for properties that have up to three bedrooms. This means that the existing requirement to have a copyright license for music delivered in communal areas would be removed and the new requirement for a license to provide

There is not much time to register your views, the consultation closes 19th August.
The document can be found: http://www.ppluk.com/Documents/Tariff%20PDFs/PPL%20Small%20Residential%20Hotels%20consultationonline.pdf