Local businesses that have already paid fees to a UK copyright protection group might be entitled to a refund if the group decides they have been overcharged.

The Performance Rights Society has decided to “reconsider their approach” on charging Bermudian businesses for music licences, according to the Bermuda Music Users Group (BMUG).

BMUG spokesman Ben Fairn said more than 80 people from “all sectors of the Bermuda economy” met with the Performance Rights Society, or PRS.

The group’s proposed fees should be in line with those paid by jurisdictions with similar populations to Bermuda, Mr Fairn said — and BMUG members objected to a complicated rate structure that was, in some cases, more than ten times what other countries were paying for the use of licensed music.

“The presence of international business should not mean that fees for the 65,000 residents should be any higher,” he added.

“There was also concern that all of the money that would be collected under the scheme would go directly to London, and little if any benefit would remain in Bermuda to support the beginning of a vibrant music industry.”

Mr Fairn said the PRS subsequently agreed to “take on board all the feedback they received during their recent visit and reconsider their approach, once they have completed a more comprehensive review of similar North American and Caribbean fee structures.

“They also conceded that current fees may be too high, and indicated that credits may possibly be issued to organisations that have been paying at higher rates, if indeed lower fee structures are introduced.”

Interested parties can contact BMUG via the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.