New regulations requiring organisers of weddings, parties, corporate functions, DJ shows and other events to obtain licences to play certain music have come into effect, as part of efforts to protect intellectual property rights.
The regulations, introduced by the Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) under the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), came into effect last Tuesday.
Hotels and other institutions have been informed that licences are required for events featuring musical works represented by ACPOSL, as well as Hindi and Tamil works represented through the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS). Events featuring only English or other foreign-language music are not covered by the licensing requirement.
The rules apply to a wide range of events, including weddings, receptions, private parties, corporate functions, dinner dances, award ceremonies, product launches, promotional events, conferences with musical entertainment, DJ shows, live band performances, hybrid events, concerts and music-focused programmes.
For DJ events, fees range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000, depending on the number of attendees. Fees for live music events range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000, while private or corporate DJ events are charged between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000. Hybrid or live corporate events carry fees ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 125,000.
According to The Sunday Times, ACPOSL Chairman Nilar N. Cassim said the regulations were introduced to ensure royalties are properly distributed to composers, lyricists and publishers, who he said often receive less recognition than performers.
Under the regulations, hotels must not allow covered events to take place without an ACPOSL licence. Event organisers are also required to provide an audio recording after the event to help identify the music played.
The licensing scheme also covers commercial establishments such as supermarkets, banks, retail stores, shopping malls, cinemas and office buildings, as well as transport services including buses, coaches, tourist vans and passenger trains.
Annual licences will be issued for commercial premises, with fees varying according to the size of the premises and the relevant local authority jurisdiction.
