Pubs, hotels and restaurants guaranteed £20m music fee refund

15th February 2010, 9:11am

Pubs, hotels and restaurants across Britain will now receive up to £20 million in refunds following last week's High Court ruling rejecting an appeal brought by the music collection agency PPL (Phonographic performance Ltd) over the charges for the playing of music.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) have been pursuing the case since 2005. At the same time, the retail sector has also won on behalf of shops and stores.

The latest ruling confirms savings of around £3 million a year for pubs, and also opens the door for refunds going back to 2005 that could amount to £10 million. The BBPA has invested around £400,000 pursing the case on behalf of pubs over five years. 

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive commented: "This judgement confirms the victory won last November, and is another milestone which brings a step closer the prospect of substantial and fully justified refunds for pubs. This could not come at a more important time for our sector as we struggle to come out of recession and will allow pubs to both claim a refund and pay less going forward.

"With so much at stake, our persistence in pursing this case has paid off. With the appeal behind us, and pubs already benefitting from the sharply reduced charges, we are now turning our attention to helping pubs to claim the long overdue refunds to which they are entitled.

Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive, BHA, added: "This successful result shows, once again, the importance of having a strong trade association to defend the industry's interests, given the enormous amount of time and effort needed to fight these cases."

Related Articles:

• 03 Jun 2010 - BHA looks to coalition government to take tourism seriously
• 11 Dec 2009 - Music can help pubs beat the recession

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