Restaurant Owners Outraged by KECOBO’s New Music Licensing Requirements

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has introduced new regulations requiring restaurant owners to obtain licenses to play music or audiovisual content in their establishments, sparking widespread outrage and debate.

According to the new regulations, restaurants must apply for licenses through Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), primarily the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), which represents authors, composers, and publishers of musical works.

The license covers performances of music and audiovisual works, including radio, disc players, tape machines, video cassette players, television, and digitized music as background performances.

Key Requirements: owners must apply through MCSK for licenses, coverage includes various audiovisual works.

Fees: Calculated as a percentage of single business permits and liquor licenses, with a minimum flat rate of Ksh 9,000 annually.

Penalties for non-compliance include: fines up to Ksh 500,000, imprisonment of up to four years or both.

Critics have expressed frustration on social media, labeling the new regulations as extortion and unsustainable for small businesses.

They argue that the requirement will severely impact their operations and could potentially kill small businesses in the sector.

“Compelling restaurant owners to have KECOBO licenses is extortion. Are you telling Kenyan business premises not to operate without any Kenyan music content or electronic gadgets whatsoever?” some have asked.