Support growing for PPL boycott campaign
A Sheffield licensee calling for a boycott against the music royalties company PPL says he has had a "positive response" to a campaign he launched two weeks ago.
The Publican's Morning Advertiser reported on 28 July how Jeff Smith, of the Red House in Sheffield, had set up the campaign calling on publicans to stop playing music from any bands registered with PPL.
This followed an announcement by PPL that fees for special events such as DJ nights and discos could be increased by up to 4000% to more "fairly reflect" the value of the music licence.
Smith said he has received over 30 emails from fellow licensees supporting his campaign, and also has the backing of key local trade figures.
Among these is Dave Healy, who operates two licensed premises in Sheffield, and is chief organiser of the Tramlines music festival which took place in the city from 22-24 July.
"I am building up quite a bit of support," said Smith.
He added: "If we can prevent people from signing up with PPL we can really get this campaign going. It is all about letting licensees know that there are alternatives to PPL and PRS out there."
As part of the campaign, Smith is working closely with the organisers of the "Peace in the Park" festival in Sheffield, the proceeds of which go to two selected charities.
He said: "We are trying to get the festival billed as 'Sheffield's Royalty-Free Festival'"
"What I would like to propose is that one of the charities (to which proceeds are given) be a 'royalty-free' website for licensees where performing artists can upload their songs without having to take on the big companies."
