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The Wimbledon Championships are just around the corner, and for many pubs across the UK, it's a crucial time of year. The iconic tournament attracts huge crowds, eager to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on their favourite players. But for publicans hoping to capitalise on this sporting spectacle by showing the matches on their screens, a crucial question arises: do pubs need a licence to stream Wimbledon? The short answer is: it's complicated, and depends on several factors. This article will break down the legal requirements, explore the different licensing options available, and provide a clear guide to ensure your pub is legally compliant this Wimbledon.

Understanding the Legal Landscape: Public Performance Rights

Showing Wimbledon on your pub's TV isn't as simple as flicking on the channel. The broadcast rights for the tournament are held by the BBC and potentially other broadcasters depending on your location. These rights dictate who can legally show the event to the public. Simply put, showing the Wimbledon Championships without the correct permissions constitutes a copyright infringement, potentially leading to hefty fines and legal action. This isn't just about showing it on one screen; showing the tournament on multiple TVs or even using a projector also falls under public performance rights.

The key legal concept to grasp is "public performance." This refers to any showing of copyrighted material (like Wimbledon) to an audience in a public place, such as a pub, bar, or restaurant. This differs from private viewings at home.

What Constitutes a "Public Performance"?

The definition of "public performance" is crucial. It's not simply the number of people watching; even showing the match to a small group of patrons still constitutes a public performance, triggering the need for a licence. Factors considered include:

• Accessibility: Is the viewing area open to the general public, or is it a restricted area?
• Charge for viewing: Are you charging customers specifically to watch Wimbledon?
• Intended audience: Is the broadcast primarily for your patrons' enjoyment, or is it a secondary aspect of your business?

These factors determine whether or not you require a licence to avoid copyright infringement for Wimbledon streaming.

Securing the Necessary Licences: PRS for Music and PPL

Two main organisations govern the licensing of music and broadcast performances in the UK:

• PRS for Music: Deals with the public performance of musical works. This is crucial for Wimbledon, as the tournament features extensive musical interludes and background music. Even incidental music during the broadcasts needs to be covered.
• PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited): Deals with the public performance of recorded music. This is important as many programs utilize background music during the Wimbledon coverage.

Failing to secure the correct PRS for Music and PPL licences can result in substantial penalties. It's important to note that these licences are usually separate and require individual applications.

How to Obtain the Correct Licences

The process for obtaining the necessary licences varies depending on your business setup. The best approach is to contact both PRS for Music and PPL directly. Their websites provide detailed information and application forms. You'll need to provide details about your business, including:

• Your business address: The precise location of your pub.
• The type of premises: Pub, bar, restaurant, etc.
• Size and capacity: How many people can your establishment accommodate?
• TV/Audio equipment: Details of your audio-visual setup.

They'll assess your needs and provide a tailored licence. It’s also worth noting that many organizations offer bundled deals covering both PRS and PPL licenses.

The Role of Broadcasters: BBC & Other Rights Holders

While PRS and PPL cover the music elements, you still need to consider the actual broadcast rights for the Wimbledon coverage. The BBC usually holds the primary rights in the UK, meaning showing their broadcast without a specific agreement or licence from the BBC itself would be illegal. However, in practice, a combined PRS and PPL licence typically covers showing the BBC's broadcast of the tournament. Always clarify this with the licensing organisations to ensure you are fully compliant.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Ignoring public performance rights can have severe consequences:

• Significant fines: Copyright infringements can result in substantial financial penalties.
• Legal action: Rights holders can pursue legal action, including court injunctions.
• Reputational damage: Being caught illegally broadcasting could damage your pub's reputation.

The risk far outweighs the potential benefit of showing Wimbledon without the correct licences.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns

• Q: Can I show Wimbledon on a small screen in a back room? A: No. Even a small screen used for a private viewing, if accessible to the public (even if not explicitly advertised), can be deemed a public performance.

• Q: What if I only show highlights? A: Highlights still constitute a public performance of copyrighted material and require the correct licences.

• Q: Can I use a streaming service to show Wimbledon? A: This depends entirely on whether the streaming service itself has the required public performance rights. Generally speaking, you'll still need the appropriate licences.

Conclusion: Protect Your Business This Wimbledon

Showing Wimbledon can be a great way to attract customers and boost business. However, it’s vital to understand and comply with public performance rights. By obtaining the necessary licences from PRS for Music and PPL, you can avoid legal issues, protect your business, and enjoy a successful and legally compliant Wimbledon season. Don’t risk hefty fines – invest in the right licences and ensure a smooth, successful, and legal Wimbledon viewing experience for your patrons. Contact PRS for Music and PPL today to secure your licences and get ready for the Championships!