What is PPL PRS and Do I Have to Pay?
PPL PRS Ltd is a not-for-profit music licensing organisation that collects royalties on behalf of its 104,000 songwriter, composer and publisher members whenever their music is played, performed, broadcast or reproduced.
All events in the 2022 season must complete STEP 9: MUSIC USAGE in their Eventotron registration by 5pm 17 May 2022.
PPL PRS (Phonographic Performance Limited/The Performing Right Society) collect licence fees from UK businesses and organisations on behalf of their parent companies, PPL and PRS for Music. Despite this merger, the two organisations still collect licence fees covering two different kinds of music rights. You may be required to pay a music licence fee to cover you for one, or both, of these licensing areas.
PPL then distributes these music licence fees for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers, while PRS for Music distributes music licence fees for the use of musical compositions and lyrics on behalf of songwriters, composers and publishers.
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 says that permission is required from the copyright owner in order to play music in public - i.e. outside the home and domestic life.
A PPL PRS licence makes it easy to get the permission you need, allowing millions of copyright songs to be played live or by any recorded means (for example, on CD or jukebox) or via the internet, TV or radio. A PPL PRS Licence is required for music use whether you are playing that music live, using a recorded version, or via a TV or radio broadcast.
If your Brighton Fringe 2022 event charges an entry fee, you must provide a list of music used in your event in Eventotron in Step 9: Music Usage. This information will then be passed on to PPL PRS Ltd on your behalf.
Please read our guide on How to complete the music section which should answer questions regarding PPL PRS and will guide you through the process of entering your music into your event registration.
If you are using any music in your event, Brighton Fringe will advise you if there will be a fee payable to PPL PRS. The PPL PRS fee will be deducted from your Brighton Fringe Box Office settlement.
If you have any questions regarding the use of music in your event, please contact takepart@brightonfringe.org
Digital Events
Fringe events wishing to digitally live stream a small-scale ticketed event originating in the UK have to obtain an OLC licence. This includes DJs, classical and popular music as well as theatre and variety shows. You can find more information about OLC licences here.
You will need to get an OLC licence from PRS, and we will deduct PPL in line with the tariffs for in-person shows. Please see more about PPL tariffs below.
PPL Tariffs
Please note, VAT will be added to all PRS PPL deductions.
| Type of show | Music use | Charge | Details of music to be provided |
| Music show, with a capacity of less than 1000 | Any recorded music | 1% of receipts | Yes |
| Show’s using less than 2 mins of music | e.g. Walk On and Off Music only | 0.5% of receipts | Yes |
| Variety shows (Cabaret, Comedy etc), with capacity of less than 1000 | More than 75% OR No music usage details provided | 1.5% of receipts | Yes |
| Variety shows (Cabaret, Comedy etc), with capacity of less than 1000 | 75% running time of show or less | 0-25% of running time - 0.5% 25-50% of running time – 0.75% 50-75% of running time- 1.0% | Yes |
| Theatrical presentations | Incidental Music | £0.50 + VAT (flat rate charge) | No |
| Theatrical presentations | Interpolated Music | 1% of receipts | Yes |
| Free show, no charge made for admission, capacity of less than 1000 | Any recorded music | No charge | No |
| Any show, with capacity of 1000 or more | Any recorded music | These events must be licensed directly by PPL PRS. Call PPL PRS at 0800 0720 808 | As per the terms of any licence issued |
| Other show, with capacity of 1000 or less | Background music only | Each venue must either hold an existing PRS or PPL PRS licence to permit this music use in their premises or the Venue must apply to the Agent and pay a licence fee of £25.00 + VAT (flat rate charge) for the duration of the Fringe | No |
PRS Tariffs
Please note, VAT will be added to all PRS PPL deductions.
| Type of show | Music use | Charge | Details of music to be provided |
| Music show, with a capacity of less than 1000 | Any live / recorded music show | 4% of receipts | Yes |
| Show’s using less than 2 mins of music | e.g. Walk On and Off Music only | 0.2% of receipts | Yes |
| Variety shows (Cabaret, Comedy etc), with capacity of less than 1000 | More than 75% OR No music usage details provided | 2% of receipts | Yes |
| Variety shows (Cabaret, Comedy etc), with capacity of less than 1000 | 75% running time of show or less | 0-25% of running time- 0.5% 25-50% of running time – 1% 50-75% of running time- 1.5% | Yes |
| Theatrical presentations | Incidental Music | £12.37 + VAT | No |
| Theatrical presentations | Interpolated Music | Each show must either hold an existing licence for the use of interpolated music from PRS or apply for one in the usual way. Learn more here | No |
| Free show, no charge made for admission, capacity of less than 1000 | Any | No charge | No |
| Any show, with capacity of 1000 or more | Any | These events must be licensed directly by PPL PRS. Call PPL PRS at 0800 0720 808 | As per the terms of any licence issued |
| Other show, with capacity of 1000 or less | Background music only | Each venue must either hold an existing PRS or PPL PRS licence to permit this music use in their premises or the Venue must apply to the Agent and pay a licence fee of £42 + VAT(flat rate charge) for the duration of the Fringe. | No |