Silence golden for dealers
February 13th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
MUSIC playing in showrooms should be turned off NOW, if dealers are to avoiding risking a fine.
The RMIF reports that regulations demand any music played in public areas requires the business to hold a license to do so.
What’s more, the rules are complex. Car dealers could face paying several different music industry bodies for public entertainment licenses, if they are caught playing music in a public area.
Sue Robinson, RMIF director, explained all: ‘Despite the fact that the law requires businesses that play music in a public area to undertake a license, there is no single body that enforces the law on the issue.
‘Instead, there are a number of bodies that represent music artists, authors, music producers and musicians, including the PRS, the PPL, as well as a number of others.
‘Because PRS, PPL, and the other bodies represent different artists, businesses are likely to need to undertake licences with each organisation.’
A legal minefield, in other words.
What’s more, businesses can also be charged retrospectively, if they are contacted by one of these bodies and found to have music playing in the background.
Robinson is not happy. ‘This is a ridiculous situation, and the RMIF is currently taking legal advice on this issue.
In the meantime, she warns, car dealers can take one simple step to avoid the risk of prosecution. Turn the music off!
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