Further to my story below regarding the change in law relating to the current exemption for churches and other charities from needing a PPL license, I have now received an email from the organisation themselves clarifying the position:
I have just been alerted to your piece on changes to music licensing and the comments that follow it, which do seem to be slightly ambiguous. I thought it best to clarify the situation.
There will indeed be changes to music licensing for not-for-profit organisations from 1 April 2010, as announced by the Government in November. The changes, coming in as a result of European legislation, give musicians a right to remuneration when their recordings are used. It will mean that not-for-profit organisations (Govt offices, public sector facilities, as well as charities) will need to have a PPL licence if they wish to use recorded music. PPL licenses on behalf of the performers and record companies.
However, there will be some exemptions, notably for religious services. There will be no charge for church services from us (PPL). PRS for Music (who license for the songwriters) also give an exemption for church services. This will be a huge benefit to your readership. I wonder if you might be able to make that clear through your magazine? Many thanks.
Following on from to this, we have clarified the following issues in further correspondence:
- A PPL licence is not required for religious services.
- For non religious activities a licence will be required. The licence will depend on the type of activity where recorded music is used.
- If a 3rd party rents out the premises any licence is their responsibility.
However, the issue of PRS exemption is still to be clarified though.
