Pubs and other venues which pay licence fees to PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) for playing music are due a substantial repayment following a High Court ruling last week.
It is estimated that they have been overcharged to the tune of £10 million since 2005, and it should result in savings of over £3 million a year to the industry.
The High Court upheld a ruling by the Copyright Tribunal last November, and it leads the way to pubs being able to claim repayments. Full details of how to claim are due shortly. This will be a welcome boost to the trade at a time when the bottom line will be challenged by the rates increases due in April.
Nigel Musgrove
Licensing law Specialist
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