Royalties for playing the radio!

[mrn]

I received a letter from the PRS (Performance Rights Society) asking to pay royalties and/or pay a licence to play the radio in my accommodation listings! Did anyone else receive a letter or is it an early April Fool joke?

What is the world coming to when you can't even play the radio in your own house without the fear of being taxed for it!!

[EMDEE]

It is in fact the case that if anyone plays a radio on their business premises to which members of the public have access, then a licence is required. Don't ask me why, it seems illogical.

[WC1]

Especially when the radio station has already paid a PRS fee for broadcasting it.

[4th gen Suthen']

That's just the way it is
Some things'll never change
That's just the way it is'
Ha, but don't you believe them

[EileenH]

It's right enough!My husband got a phone call at work to ask if he played music - even a cd! He was told he would get a hefty fine if he didn't pay for a licence. He did pay up but I wonder how many have been taken to court for not paying the fee?

[mrn]

Especially when the radio station has already paid a PRS fee for broadcasting it.

Yes, I also thought this. Why if the radio company pay it do listeners have to pay it (ones with a business). Guess it is radios off from now on.

[Ship called Dignity]

This is crazy. That's it, I won't be giving anyone a lift in my car incase they want to listen to the radio! On that note, are they going to start charging the likes of the bin lorries PRS if they have the radio on while collecting the bins

[Mary G]

The can safely charge the people with mp3 players + earphones, who have them on so loud in the bus/ train that we can all hear the tunes!