Morocco Cafe Owners Challenge Music and TV Royalty Fees in Court

Cafe and restaurant owners are summoned by the BMDA to pay royalties for the musical excerpts and television programs broadcast in their establishments. These royalties, which can reach up to 7,000 dirhams or more, according to Hespress, are considered unfair by the professionals in the sector. They argue that it is the radio and television stations that present their content to the public and should therefore pay the copyright fees.

The president of the National Federation of Cafe, Restaurant and Tourist Unit Associations in Morocco (FNACRUTM), Mohamed Bouzit, defends the cafe and restaurant owners, considering that the BMDA is unable to obtain rights from the radio, television and telecommunications companies that broadcast these artistic productions, and criticizes the fact that the Office positions itself as a defender of the rights holders.

Bouzit recalls that a decision had been made in 1975, confirmed in 1979, stating that the broadcasting of television programs in public places is not considered an exploitation of the rights of artists and authors. He also highlights the report of the General Inspectorate of Finance, which points to the poor legal management of the sums collected by the BMDA. For the official, copyright, if they must be paid, should be deducted from the electricity bill or from the general income tax (IGR).