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The
Performing Right Society (PRS) is writing to thousands of
restaurateurs who could be breaking UK copyright law by playing music
without a PRS Music Licence.
The law ensures that the UK's
60,000 songwriters and composers represented by the PRS - who are
small businesses themselves, receive royalties for the use of their work.
The society aims to ensure that
all restaurateurs who play music are aware that permission to do so
is granted by the writers and composers. There is an estimated 2,000
restaurants without a PRS Music Licence that could be breaking UK
copyright law.
Music has the power to create an
atmosphere, which can transform a restaurant's authenticity and
enhance the customer's dining experience. This can be a key factor
for customers coming back and spending more money on drink as well as food.
Keith Gilbert, managing director,
PRS Public Performance Sales, says: "Many of our members rely
on receiving their royalties as a vital source of income, 90% of whom
earn less than £5,000 a year in royalties.
We are aiming to raise the
awareness of the value of music in restaurants and the need to buy a
PRS Music Licence, which reimburses those who created that music. PRS
licenses for a restaurant starts from just £128 a year and are
tailored according to the size of business and the format from which
music is being played."
Restaurateurs can call 0800 068
48 28 for advice on when they need a PRS music licence or visit www.prs.co.uk
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