Who needs a JACAP licence?

Anyone who copies, distributes, broadcasts or adapts musical works needs a licence. A licence is required for public performances such as concerts, and in public places where music is played, such as restaurants, bars, hotels and business places. Entities that use musical works to provide entertainment for patrons, the general public or staff must have a licence to do so.

We can’t stop it. We play ... everywhere. All of the stores do it and all of my brothers’ stores do it,” said one store operator.

However, JACAP is warning that these store operators could be prosecuted, as a claim of ignorance of the law is not a sustainable excuse.

“I cannot take it that people would say in 2017 they are not aware of the Copyright Act, they are not aware of JACAP and that they are not aware that they should be making payment,” said Rose.

“We have been on every radio station, we have been on TV, we have done every form of advertising

and we have even gone in the communities. So I can’t accept them saying that they are not aware of what is required of them when they play music,” added Rose.

JACAP is a non-profit copyright collecting society that collectively manages performing and recording rights in musical works.

Up to December 2015, JACAP had distributed in excess of $320 million to music creators, both locally and overseas. The 2016 figures are not yet available.