License fee suspended for Coronation screenings
Coronation emblem
12th March 2023
The BBC has announced that it will suspend the licence fee as a one-off for the King’s Coronation weekend. The broadcaster said it is in “exceptional circumstances” that a temporary dispensation is granted, with the event needing to be of “national importance”.
The exemption means that events can be organised to screen the coronation for communities in venues such as churches and village halls without needing to purchase a licence, although a PRS Licence may still be required. Other examples of community venues include commercial premises such as concert halls, performing arts venues and cinemas. It also applies to any outdoor venues that have the facilities to screen.
Further details available on the BBC website here.
ACRE has also been in contact with PPL PRS to ask about its licence requirements for screening the coronation and received the following response:
Provided the following conditions are met, we would not licence this event under our discretionary charging policy (i.e. no license is required).
- Be in celebration of The Coronation
- Take place between 5th and 8th May 2023
- Be organised and run by unpaid volunteers
- Be provided for the local community
- Have a total expected attendance / capacity 300 or fewer
- Not generate a profit
- Be held in a premise or a place that does not otherwise require, or currently hold a music license.