PRS retreats over Eldridge Pope pub's fee

The Performing Right Society (PRS) has dropped legal action against a publican who it wanted to pay fees for music events that would never take place.

David von Geyer, licensee of the Potters Arms in Poole, Dorset, is convinced the PRS solicitors only backed down because he made it very clear he would strongly defend any action in the courts.

Mr von Geyer took on the tenancy of the Eldridge Pope pub last summer.

He contacted the PRS to get a licence, estimating the number of discos, karaoke nights and live music nights he would have. He agreed to pay the PRS, which collects royalties on behalf of musicians and songwriters, a quarterly fee of around £200. It quickly became apparent that he had overestimated. This didn't stop the PRS from threatening legal action when Mr von Geyer only paid for the events that actually took place.

But after an exchange of emails, PRS solicitor Shoosmiths dropped a claim for more than £1,000 including costs. Mr von Geyer said: "I know how important the payments are, and I have no objection to paying the PRS in principle.

"It's ludicrous and unfair to expect a brand new licensee to predict his trade in a pub after his first week and to expect payment for events that do not take place. I made it clear that I wouldn't back down."

The PRS said that an annual review of fees was the usual approach.

Pictured: PRS collects royalties on behalf of musicians and songwriters.​