15/01/2009 - Mechanics warned over radio rules
Garages that allow workers to listen to the radio could be breaking the law, according to the Performing Rights Society (PRS).
PRS, which issues licences to collect royalties for songwriters, composers and music publishers, said the law states that companies must have a licence to play the music at an annual cost of at least £44 plus VAT.
The PRS believes it is "only right" for artists to receive royalties in the form of a licence fee if businesses are using their work to entertain staff.
A spokesman for PRS said: "If they are intentionally listening to car radios for the purpose of keeping their employees or customers entertained, they do need a licence."
One garage owner from Witham, Essex, has already been warned he could be prosecuted if his staff regularly listened to car radios at work.
However, the owner, Len Attwood, 61, thinks the law is "ridiculous".
He added: "We're a small business and it's such a miserable time. Having the radio on would brighten the day up but I won't pay for a licence so we can't."
The PRS has since dropped the prosecution after deciding Mr Attwood had not intended to use the radio to entertain staff.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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