Public Performance License - Legal Question!

[steviebee]

We’re holding a village fete and evening ball on 26th June. The evening ball is being held the village hall and features a live band, disco, etc. All in aid of 3 national and a few local charities.

During the process of applying for a Temporary Liquor License, we were informed that the Village Hall does not posses a “PPL” (I think that’s right – basically the license that permits live music to be performed). This is despite us being assured by the hall committee that they had one. They did but it expired in 2001.

Given the time scales, we have been told it unlikely that one will be granted in time.

So, a few questions?

If we advise the hall committee that they do not have a license, is it then down to them if we go ahead anyway?

Who is liable – the hall committee or us as the event organisers (given that we were told a license exists before we planned everything!)

Is it really likely that a council (or other party) would sue a charitable event?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Steve.

[bobthebench]

Expect person liable is the person performing, though could be venue.

These groups will sue charities if need be, but usually a stiff demand letter comes first. Usually however if you get in touch anyway they will accept payment even after the event.

[bga]

bobthebench said:

Expect person liable is the person performing, though could be venue. These groups will sue charities if need be, but usually a stiff demand letter comes first. Usually however if you get in touch anyway they will accept payment even after the event.

I was playing in an unlicensed venue about 3 years ago, when the place was "raided". As it was unlicensed they informed us that our equipment could have been impounded, although I cannot remember under what legislation.
In the end they were there to nobble the licensee of the pub, not the performers, and I believe they got a stern telling off and avoided a fine.
Chatting to one of the council officers who was there, he indicated that the responsibility was on the venue, but I was a bit tipsy at the time so not 100% certain of this.

[Pistonfest]

The person liable will be the organiser, not the performer, and not the venue either.......if you get a visit of course!

Don't expect any grace given from PPL/ PRS etc because the event is run for the benefit of a charity.

Yes you have enough time to get the licence sorted out.....give them a call at their office numbers (on the websites) & ask them to fax the forms. Paying by cheque, even next week, will give you enough time for it to clear, and your licence can be sent (if your event falls into these categories).

For more info, contact :
[url]www.prs.co.uk/[/url]
[url]www.ppluk.com/[/url]

For the Public Entertainment Licence, you'll need to speak to the local Council whose boundary the venue falls inside, an example is here : [url]www.tameside.gov.uk/tmbc3/entertainment.htm[/url].

................HOWEVER:

"If the function is a private party, then a entertainment licence is not required"

So you may want to rethink about the "door charge" scenario, and instead of "charging" for admission by the public, invite them to a private party called XXXXXX, and ask for a minimal donation of (x £'s) upon entry.

Best to check with the local council though just to be sure, but you'll not be able to side-step the PRS & PPL if you want to be all above board & legit.

Good luck.

Edited to add- you'll get a discount against all licencing costs if you pay in full prior to the event happening........


>> Edited by Pistonfest on Friday 4th June 15:03

[steviebee]

Great help guys...Thanks!

[chrisgr31]

Pistonfest said:

The person liable will be the organiser, not the performer, and not the venue either.......if you get a visit of course! Don't expect any grace given from PPL/ PRS etc because the event is run for the benefit of a charity. Yes you have enough time to get the licence sorted out.....give them a call at their office numbers (on the websites) & ask them to fax the forms. Paying by cheque, even next week, will give you enough time for it to clear, and your licence can be sent (if your event falls into these categories). For more info, contact : [url]<a href="http://www.prs.co.uk/">www.prs.co.uk/</a>[/url] [url]<a href="http://www.ppluk.com/">www.ppluk.com/</a>[/url] For the Public Entertainment Licence, you'll need to speak to the local Council whose boundary the venue falls inside, an example is here : [url]<a href="http://www.tameside.gov.uk/tmbc3/entertainment.htm">www.tameside.gov.uk/tmbc3/entertainment.htm</a>[/url]. ................HOWEVER: "If the function is a private party, then a entertainment licence is not required" So you may want to rethink about the "door charge" scenario, and instead of "charging" for admission by the public, invite them to a private party called XXXXXX, and ask for a minimal donation of (x £'s) upon entry. Best to check with the local council though just to be sure, but you'll not be able to side-step the PRS & PPL if you want to be all above board & legit. Good luck. Edited to add- you'll get a discount against all licencing costs if you pay in full prior to the event happening........ >> Edited by Pistonfest on Friday 4th June 15:03

I have tried applying for a PRS licence in the past and it was a pain. So much so I gave up, suppose I ought to try again.

Any charging on the door even by donation requires the relevant licence.