Access All AreasMusic Venue Trust (MVT) has launched a campaign calling for greater accuracy and transparency in how PRS for Music licensing fees are calculated for grassroots music venues. The initiative, Set The Record Straight: Fair Licensing Fees, focuses on billing methods, capacity calculations and liability between promoters and venues.
Led by rights management specialist Gareth Kelly, the campaign examines what MVT describes as recurring discrepancies in PRS-related charges, including the use of estimated data and uncertainty over which party is responsible for fees. MVT says the campaign does not challenge the principle of PRS licensing, but argues that inaccuracies in calculation and enforcement are placing additional financial pressure on venues.
MVT has identified more than £666,000 in discrepancies across venues in England, Scotland and Wales, including one case involving a £90,000 error. Regional totals cited by the organisation include more than £56,000 in the North West, over £20,000 in the South West, close to £50,000 in London, more than £80,000 in Wales and over £75,000 in Scotland.
The organisation says some charges were based on theoretical capacity rather than actual attendance, and highlights cases where venues were billed for promoter-led events. MVT also reports that five venues have received County Court Judgments linked to disputed assessments, with more than 50 facing legal threats.
Gareth Kelley said, “PRS licensing should work for everybody – venues, promoters, artists and songwriters. The issue is not whether fees should be paid, they absolutely should. The issue is whether those fees are being calculated accurately, applied fairly and charged to the right party. What we’re seeing too often is a system that relies on assumptions rather than reality, and that can create serious financial consequences for grassroots venues.”
MVT is calling for clearer fee calculations, improved data accuracy and a more defined framework for licensing responsibility. The campaign will include explanatory content, case studies and data aimed at clarifying licensing practices.
Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT, added, “Licensing systems are complex, and too often they operate in a space that people don’t fully understand. That lack of clarity makes it harder to challenge inaccuracies and easier for problems to persist. This campaign is about bringing transparency into that space and making sure the system works as it should; fairly, accurately and in a way that reflects how grassroots music actually operates.”