A consortium of businesses including the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has claimed a victory for shops after an appeal from the music licensing body Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) was rejected by the high court.
The Hon Mr Justice Arnold once again ruled in favour of the consortium and rejected all points raised by PPL.
As a result, PPL will have to refund all retailers who have overpaid for their license since 2005. The new tariffs will be measured by square metres on a banding system, bringing significant cost reductions for local shops.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are delighted that the High Court has recognised the unsustainable increases that PPL have tried to inflict on our members and the hospitality industry.
“We now hope that PPL will act quickly to refund those license payers who paid over the odds to offer background music to their customers in stores.”
Retailers could benefit from up to £20m in overpaid fees, as well as savings of around £5m per year. ACS will be briefing members in due course on how they can reclaim their overpaid fees.
