The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has joined forces with the Performing Right Society (PRS) – a non-profit making organisation which collects and distributes music royalties on behalf of its members – to make sure that every fitness operation in the UK has a current PRS licence.

Health clubs and leisure centres require PRS licences to cover the use of music as a public performance, for example, when music is used in a group exercise class, as part of an event or as background music in a communal area.

PRS has agreed a new licensing structure with the FIA, which promises reduced charges for FIA members using music in group exercise classes and a reduced rate from the date of application for members who do not have a current licence.

The move comes following research from PRS which shows that only around 50 per cent of the health and fitness industry pays royalties for the music it uses in the course of its business.

Andrée Deane, FIA chief executive, said: “It is unfair and uncompetitive that only 50 per cent of all health and fitness operators, in both the public and private sectors, pay their PRS licence fee. This puts an unfair burden on those who are honest and pay their dues.

“As part of our commitment to this agreement, we will make compliance with PRS licensing a requirement of the FIA Code of Practice.

“Our aim is to create a level and less expensive playing field for all industry operators.” Details: www.fia.org.uk