Hair and beauty FAQs

What is the purpose of this consultation?

PRS for Music is running a consultation on the terms of a new Hair and Beauty tariff, reflecting our effort to simplify how we license this sector. We have recently embarked on an extensive programme to review and simplify our 44 public performance tariffs. The aim of this project is to create tariffs that are easy to understand as well as simple to purchase and manage. The driving principals of the new tariffs are to understand our customer’s music usage; deliver tariffs which are fair, simple to acquire and manage and; remain cost neutral for the customer base as a whole.

How have you approached this consultation?

PRS for Music has a long history of undertaking consultations on key issues that impact on its members. On this specific consultation we have thus far worked with the National Hairdressers Federation developing proposals that promote simplicity and transparency for both our customers and members. All our consultations are undertaken in line with our published Code of Conduct.

Does the consultation itself indicate a change in direction for PRS for Music insofar as its review of tariffs?

Not at all. This is normal practice for a member organisation whose duties and obligations lie with protecting our songwriters, music publishers and composers’ best interests.

It is important, that wherever possible, our customers have an easy, efficient and transparent experience in obtaining a music licence. PRS for Music is dedicated to improving the experience and ion support of this is now in a process of reviewing all existing tariffs.

Who is affected by this?

This is a consultation with current Hair and Beauty customers e.g. Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and Tanning Salons who are licensed under PRS for Music’s HBD and GP.

Currently we have 30,225 customers and 31,587 premises under these tariff.

What does the PRS for Music Hair and Beauty Tariff cover?

The tariff covers the charges we make for the performance of copyright music for the use of background music, controlled by PRS for Music, at any Hairdresser, barber, beauty salon or similar establishment. You can see what is covered in the proposed tariff on the Hair and Beauty tariff consultation page.

How long does the consultation run for?

The Hair and Beauty tariff consultation runs for 6 weeks. The deadline for responses from both customers and trade bodies is 6th June 2016.

How many respondents are you hoping to get?

Our aim is to get a representative sample to ensure that we build as comprehensive an understanding of today’s market, as possible.

How do people take part?

For relevant licensee stakeholders, they should go to Hair and Beauty tariff consultation page to download the relevant details and questionnaire. All relevant parties are also being contacted directly via email.

Will this consultation have any impact on the outcome of the tariff?

The aim of this project is to create tariffs that are easy to understand as well as simple to purchase and manage. The driving principals of the new tariffs are to understand our customer’s music usage; deliver tariffs which are fair, simple to acquire and manage and; remain cost neutral for the customer base as a whole. It is important we understand this sector to ensure that we operate a fit-for-purpose tariff. A consultation will ensure that we have listened to the relevant parties involved before any decisions are made.

What happens to the licence fees collected under Hair and Beauty tariff?

PRS for Music distributions are normally made four times a year, in April, July, October and December. We aim to include payments in the second quarterly distribution after the event has taken place. For example revenue from a May concert would be included in the October distribution.

View details of our distribution cycle

How does PRS for Music distribute the royalties to its members under Hair and Beauty?

There are a number of methods to track the music being played in different environments that allows us to distribute as accurately and efficiently as possible, including surveys on businesses and tracking radio play.

Please see our distribution policy

What will happen next?

We intend to review all responses thoroughly and maintain an open dialogue with respondents in the hope of arriving at a satisfactory solution for all parties.

Will you be publishing the findings of the consultation?

Yes. We intend to publish the findings of the consultation subject to any confidentiality provisions as detailed within the questionnaire.

What is the difference between PRS for Music and PPL?

Whilst PRS for Music collects royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers, PPL represents the rights of performers and record companies.