Pubs reminded of free PRS dispute system

Licensees who feel they have been unfairly treated by music fee collection firm the Performing Rights Society (PRS) are being reminded they can complain to an independent ombudsman.

The dispute system was set up last year after a consultation on a new PRS code of practice.

But the Forum of Private Business (FPB) says many small firm owners are not aware the service exists.

"We have received call after call from concerned members complaining about their treatment at the hands of the PRS and the first they have heard about this avenue to air their complaints is when we tell them about it," said the FPB's policy representative Matt Goodman.

Pubs' rates for a PRS licence depend on several factors, including the type of equipment used to play music - TV, cd, or radio - and the size of venue and the frequency of the performances.

"A PRS licence is a legal requirement and of course an ombudsman is a good way of addressing small business concerns but it is already difficult to accept yet another cost to businesses," added Goodman.

For more inforamation visit: www.prsformusic-ombudsman.org