Published: 1st January 2011

Author: Amanda Timcke

An amendment to the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 came into effect on 1st January 2011, and removed the current exemption enjoyed by charities and non-profit organisations from the requirement to obtain a music licence from the licensing authority PPL for the playing of copyright music to the public. This sector comprises charities, community halls, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, student union nightclubs and government and local authority buildings.

The revision is intended to bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe, to ensure remuneration for performers and record companies, but PPL shall provide charities with a grace period of one year to adjust to these new arrangements.

However, PPL will continue to not apply to the use of sound recordings in NHS hospital wards, religious services, domestic use in care homes and in medical treatments taking place in NHS hospitals. If you wish to know more about how to obtain a PPL then please contact Amanda Timcke.