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This is Staffordshire --
BUSINESSMAN Rob Markham has switched off the radio behind the counter at his carpet shop – after being told to pay £170-a-year for the privilege of listening to the music.
The 61-year-old has enjoyed tuning in to the radio in between serving customers at Sneyd Carpets, in Sneyd Green, for years.
But Rob – who had his radio tuned into BBC 6 Music – has now switched off after being told to pay to broadcast the shows.
He was told to pay £75 for a licence from the Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and £95 for a licence from PRS for Music – formerly the Performing Right Society.
Rob, of Loggerheads, said: "I listen to the radio, which I keep behind my desk in the corner of the showroom. I keep it just loud enough for me to listen to, but not too obtrusive to interfere with telephone conversations with customers and suppliers. The only time a customer will hear the radio is when they are at my desk.
"I usually listen to BBC 6 Music, unless Stoke City are playing, then I listen to the match. I like all kinds of music. I do like Mumford and Sons, but then I will listen to Pavarotti and things like that."
Rob, who has run Sneyd Carpets for 14 years and has a floor covering and carpets store in Tunstall, added: "It's strange to be in the shop and for it to be so quiet. I do miss the radio, but I'm busy with lots to do in the shop. I wasn't using music to attract customers in, it was just for my pleasure." Earlier this year, barber Robert Wheeler, who runs Alter Ego Barber Shop, in Burslem, was taken to court by PPL after being caught playing music without a licence.
The 32-year-old, of Furlong Road, Tunstall, said: "This whole thing is just ludicrous. "It's another tax and it seems to be a postcode lottery as to who pays. I know people who have been in business for 30 years and have never had to pay for a licence to play music.
"If only three out of every 10 people had to pay council tax, those unlucky three would have something to say about it."
PPL collects the licence fee on behalf of performers and record companies, while PRS for Music represents songwriters, composers and record companies.
Any performance of copyrighted music, whether recorded or live, which takes place outside the home is regarded as a public performance.
A PPL spokesman said: "In most instances, a licence is required from both organisations for a person to legally play recorded music in public. While both organisations licence the use of music and collect royalties for the music industry, each represents different rights holders and have separate licences, terms and conditions."
A PRS spokesman said: "Composers and publishers only get paid when their works are performed, so collecting royalties ensures they get paid for the work they do." Reported by This is 3 hours ago.
Clik here to view.
This is Staffordshire --BUSINESSMAN Rob Markham has switched off the radio behind the counter at his carpet shop – after being told to pay £170-a-year for the privilege of listening to the music.
The 61-year-old has enjoyed tuning in to the radio in between serving customers at Sneyd Carpets, in Sneyd Green, for years.
But Rob – who had his radio tuned into BBC 6 Music – has now switched off after being told to pay to broadcast the shows.
He was told to pay £75 for a licence from the Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and £95 for a licence from PRS for Music – formerly the Performing Right Society.
Rob, of Loggerheads, said: "I listen to the radio, which I keep behind my desk in the corner of the showroom. I keep it just loud enough for me to listen to, but not too obtrusive to interfere with telephone conversations with customers and suppliers. The only time a customer will hear the radio is when they are at my desk.
"I usually listen to BBC 6 Music, unless Stoke City are playing, then I listen to the match. I like all kinds of music. I do like Mumford and Sons, but then I will listen to Pavarotti and things like that."
Rob, who has run Sneyd Carpets for 14 years and has a floor covering and carpets store in Tunstall, added: "It's strange to be in the shop and for it to be so quiet. I do miss the radio, but I'm busy with lots to do in the shop. I wasn't using music to attract customers in, it was just for my pleasure." Earlier this year, barber Robert Wheeler, who runs Alter Ego Barber Shop, in Burslem, was taken to court by PPL after being caught playing music without a licence.
The 32-year-old, of Furlong Road, Tunstall, said: "This whole thing is just ludicrous. "It's another tax and it seems to be a postcode lottery as to who pays. I know people who have been in business for 30 years and have never had to pay for a licence to play music.
"If only three out of every 10 people had to pay council tax, those unlucky three would have something to say about it."
PPL collects the licence fee on behalf of performers and record companies, while PRS for Music represents songwriters, composers and record companies.
Any performance of copyrighted music, whether recorded or live, which takes place outside the home is regarded as a public performance.
A PPL spokesman said: "In most instances, a licence is required from both organisations for a person to legally play recorded music in public. While both organisations licence the use of music and collect royalties for the music industry, each represents different rights holders and have separate licences, terms and conditions."
A PRS spokesman said: "Composers and publishers only get paid when their works are performed, so collecting royalties ensures they get paid for the work they do." Reported by This is 3 hours ago.
