Publicans toast ruling on music copyright

PUB landlords across the UK are celebrating a possible windfall to the tune of £20 million.

A High Court ruling yesterday found in favour of pubs, restaurants and hotel owners in a battle over copyright payment for playing music on their premises.

Mr Justice Arnold dismissed an appeal by Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) which introduced new tariffs in 2005-6. The Institute of Licensing claimed the tariffs meant fees were increased by more than four times.

A spokesman for the institute said the High Court ruling confirms savings of around 3m a year for pubs, and also opens the door for refunds going back to 2005 that could amount to 10m.

Brigid Simmonds, British Beer and Pub Association chief executive, said that the association was now turning its attention to helping pubs and restaurants claim long overdue refunds.