The Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) says it will revise parts of its recently introduced Public Performance Licensing system for events at hotels and other commercial venues, while stressing that the licensing initiative itself has not been withdrawn.
ACPOSL said its Board of Directors decided to revise certain aspects of the licensing mechanism and waive some categories of licence fees at this stage following discussions with the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Disc Jockeys Association.
The association said full details of the revised system and the licence categories affected would be announced through an official statement.
ACPOSL rejected claims circulating on social media that it had abandoned the licensing initiative or changed its position due to pressure from individuals or groups.
“ACPOSL has not withdrawn its Public Performance Licensing initiative,” the association said, adding that adjustments were made after considering practical feedback from industry stakeholders.
It also clarified that the licensing fees are not a government tax, a government-imposed charge or a newly introduced government levy. According to ACPOSL, the system relates to the administration of copyright on behalf of authors, composers, publishers and other rights holders it represents.
The association said it had also sought international guidance, including through discussions with the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), while reviewing concerns raised following the introduction of the hotel licensing process.
ACPOSL said it had not negotiated the latest amendments with any individual, company, social media personality or pressure group, and described attempts by individuals to claim credit for the changes as misleading.
The association said its objective remains to establish a fair, practical and sustainable copyright licensing framework that protects creators’ rights while taking into account the practical concerns of hotels, event organisers, performers and other parties that use music commercially. (Newswire)
The post Fee for Playing Songs at Events: ACPOSL gives new update appeared first on Newswire.