Radio listening ban at work?

[kazza55]

I'm hoping some AB'ers will know something about this because it makes no sense to me. Why are we suddenly not allowed to have our radios on at work?

 I work nightshift in my local supermarket filling the shelves and we have always had a couple of radios on to listen to music during the night. (when all the customers,checkout staff have gone home and the store is locked up) There was always a radio playing in the warehouse too during the daytime. Now we have been told that we are not allowed to have a radio on at anytime or face disciplinary action.

Apparently this new rule has come from somewhere externally and not the management. One of my bosses tried to explain the reason why this has come about,but I didn't really understand it. Is this because the shop needs an entertainment licence?

There must be thousands of shops,offices and factories in the UK that listen to the radio during the working day. Please can anyone enlighten me as to what is going on?

[honkytonkman]

At work, I use a MP3 player with FM tuner. It's tiny and fits in my top pocket. That way I'm in my own world of music and bothering no-one, and no-one has to worry about entertainment licences. Although there is the possibility that your Health and Safety people might moan that you wouldn't be aware of your surroundings etc.

[londondave]

I know a little bit about this as I used to be a roadie for bands. You  are supposed to have a licence to play pre recorded music at work, but I believe the radio is OK go here and click on the quick links bar, scroll down to music in the work place.  http://www.prs.co.uk/  In some shops that play music you often see a sticker on the door that says "PRS" This is from The Performing Rights Society and indicates they have a licence to play music. When I was roadieing I had to fill out the PRS forms and list all the songs played at every gig, then send them off to them. but that was back in the 80s, dont know the score now.

[smorodina]

I don't think you need a license unless the public can hear the music. This is obviously not the case in Ireland where they even play the radio in banks. I really hate the British 'corporate image' where everything is uniform, colourless and humourless. Whenever possible, I do business in a more relaxed environment.

[ursula62]

If you play the radio at work then it is considered a broadcast and you need a licence from the PPL. This has always been the case.

http://www.ppluk.com/

Go to the section Music Users and then select Business Playing Music.

[kazza55]

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated.It is so annoying all these stupid rules and regulations. I used to take my own radio to work and not even allowed to play CDs now which I have bought myself. I don't think I will be able to stand the job much longer because of this.

Obviously a case of "Making Life Taste Bitter" LOL!!!

[Fish the Mod]

The last answer is 100% right.

As a DJ, we have to fill out the PRS form for places that do not have a music licence like Church / School halls.

Hotels and music venues pay about �100 which mean we can play our songs and radio as they contributing to the artists/ songwriters funds.

www.juicedisco.co.uk

[Insane Wally]

I think if the radio is playing to over a certain amount of people, then the above legislation kicks in.

Where's Andy Hughes when you need him.

Nice use of advertising Fish.

[kaktus]

Insane Wally In Denmark, and it may be EU legislation so it might go for the UK too, you have to have a license if you play music for more than 39 people. I don't know if there is a difference between radio and Cds/MP3s, the above is for CDs.

[ursula62]

The PPL licence is not really related to the number of people in the workplace - even if your office only has one employee and you play the radio you need a licence - the minimum cost for an office/factory is �100 plus VAT.  However, there is a rising scale depending on the number of employees.

This tariff requires all full time, part time and temporary employees to be counted when calculating the public performance licence fees. Where independent contractors work at the premises on a regular basis they also should be counted as employees. If the office or factory employs seasonal workers then the number of workers will be apportioned (by PPL) throughout the year. For example, if twelve additional employees are taken on in December then PPL will regard those employees as equating to one employee engaged throughout the entire year.

Note that only employees who work within an area where the sound recordings are audible should be counted for these purposes. For example, a security guard who is always stationed in an office car park should not be counted if the sound recordings cannot be heard in the car park or in the guard�s booth or station.

[Guinevere]

This is the madest thing I have ever heard!
If I was playing the radio in my car and had some friends with me, would that be considered public broadcast? 

[ursula62]

No, it wouldn't be. It is a private vehicle.. But... If you were a salesman and you used your car as an office then perhaps it might require a PPL licence.

Definitely if you were a bus or coach driver and played CDs for the passengers to listen to then either you or the company you worked for would have to get a PPL licence.

I suggest you contact the PPL for more information if you are worried.

[tony2525]

can i still listen to the radio in the company owned van i drive as they would be providing the transmition source,and if i get caught who is liable