The Bermuda Music Users Group is calling on representatives for the Island’s businesses and charities to meet tomorrow to discuss music licencing rates on the Island.

Group spokesman Ben Fairn said yesterday that it was understood that representatives from Performance Rights Society (PRS), a UK copyright protection group, have arrived on the Island and are in the process of speaking to local businesses about music licences.

“PRS’ current campaign includes an expanded target list including Government entities, schools, charities, concert promoters and any business that uses copyrighted music to entertain their workers or clients, even if it is just on their answering service,” Mr Fairn said.

Mr Fairn said the group acknowledged that PRS had the right to charge for the use of copyrighted music, but are concerned they will attempt to impose UK terms and licencing rates on Bermuda businesses without full disclosure, transparency and consultation.

PRS has posted general rate tariffs for Bermuda on its website, but a spokeswoman for PRS has said the group was not opposed to speaking with groups such as BMUG about any concerns.

The purpose of tomorrow’s meeting is to form sector-specific subcommittees to represent the different groups that are expected to pay copyright fees, including broadcasters, restaurants, non-profits and charities.

The meeting will take place at 6pm at the Chamber of Commerce headquarters.