Shops win tribunal case over music fees

A legal ruling over copyright fees to play music in stores could see retailers receive a £20m refund. After a campaign by the British Retail Consortium, the Copyright Tribunal ruled that a 10 per cent increase levied in 2005 on shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses that play recorded music was excessive.

Public Performance (PPL), the company which collects the fees on behalf of record companies, said it would appeal, but if the decision is upheld retailers could benefit to the tune of £5m a year, as well as receiving a £20m refund for excessive charges imposed over the past four years.

Andrew Opie, of the BRC, said: "We welcome the tribunal's decision which establishes a level of tariffs that's fair for all parties." In 2008, PPL collected £127.6m in fees from all businesses, £11m of which was paid by retailers.