The PRS (Performing Rights Society) for Music is responsible for licensing arrangements for the performance of music and their website offers guidance to Charity and Community Groups.

A summary of their advice in relation to our Member Societies is given below:

Whenever copyright music is played outside the domestic environment, a licence is required regardless of the nature of the premises, whether a fee is paid or whether the audience is limited to members of a club.  Member Societies need to establish who is responsible for arranging a licence for their Society premises - the proprietor or the Society may be responsible for arranging a licence to cover music use for an event which is not in a fixed premises, such as a public park or in the street.

Societies are advised to check with their venue to confirm that a licence is in place for those occasions when it will be required. This is likely to apply where a lecture includes music.