Millions could be saved by music fee reduction
Commercial marine craft
3rd December 2008
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) have won a landmark appeal in the High Court that could see a reduction in the fees paid by pubs and hotels for playing background music.
A reduction could be worth millions of pounds to the hospitality sector.
Mr Justice Kitchen ruled that the company charged with setting and collecting the fees had misinterpreted legislation.
BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward said the judgement was a victory for common sense.
Meanwhile, BHA boss Bob Cotton commented: "We are more than pleased to have been able to deliver this result for our members, which raises the real prospect of reverting the charges for the playing of background music to a much more sensible and sustainable level."
The BBPA's members account for 98 per cent of beer brewers in the UK and more than half of all pub owners.
