Publican calls for PPL boycott
A Sheffield licensee has called for a boycott of PPL, following news of the plans to increase music royalty fees by up to 4,000%.
Jeff Smith, of the Red House in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, is setting up a campaign calling on publicans to stop playing music from any bands registered with PPL.
PPL, which collects royalties on behalf of performers and record companies, is proposing that music royalty fees for special events such as DJ nights and discos be increased as it considers the current charges are not a "fair reflection" on the value of the licence.
However, Smith, who already has support of other pubs in the Sheffield area, said the move will be the "final nail in the coffin for many pubs" and said PPL is "digging its own grave".
Smith added: "We are looking to prevent the licence hike by proposing a boycott. We hope this will have a dual effect in that PPL will not be getting licence fees and I hope bands will support the boycott and not sign up with PPL. It is quite serious what PPL is proposing."
Smith has already halved his fees paid to the Performing Right Society (PRS) from £1,200 to £600, by refusing to use any music registered with it. PRS collects royalties on behalf of publishers and songwriters.
"We have a playlist of unsigned bands and play that as background music. There are also radio stations that are royalty free that we use."
He has called for publicans to write to PPL asking for a full list of what music it covers.
"Write to them and ask for a hard copy. If they are going to make the trade's life difficult we can make theirs difficult. If we are going to have to pay their fees, we want to get our money's worth."
• Any licensee interested in joining the campaign against PPL can contact Smith at Wrss.fzvgu1972@lnubb.pbz.
•The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) had a "frank exchange of views" with PPL last week over the planned increase in fees.
•The PMA's legal expert Peter Coulson has described PPL's proposals as "extraordinary". Read more here.
