The ministry of Commerce has said that no music licensing fee would be charged for wedding celebrations and related social functions. It has also initiated steps towards a single-window music copyright licensing system.
The Indian Association – Hotel and Restaurant (AHAR) said that the clarification would provide the long-awaited relief to the hospitality sector, particularly to establishments hosting weddings and related social gatherings. Operators had often faced confusion over multiple licensing demands and varying tariff structures.
The ministry has clarified that marriage-related events are exempt from fees charged by private licensing entities such as PPL and Novex and that only government-registered bodies, including RMPL and IPRS, may collect music licence charges in applicable cases subject to tariff rationalisation which is currently under discussion.
The ministry has reportedly directed music companies to rationalise tariffs within a week although industry representatives have sought a month to work out a pricing structure.