Refund of PPL tariffs awaiting appeal decision

The Copyright Tribunal has recently announced its decision on a case brought by the British Hospitality Association and the British Beer and Pub Association against the substantial increases in tariffs imposed by Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) in 2005/6 for playing music in public areas in hotels, restaurants and pubs. The Tribunal has ruled that these increases must be limited to just 10%, meaning that, depending on the premises, operators’ tariffs have been reduced by an average of over 50%.

Dependent upon the PPL’s current appealing of the decision, businesses who have overpaid their tariff since 2005/6 will be able to claim a refund. The new reduced tariffs will apply to licence renewals regardless of the outcome of this appeal.