'Don't forget to bring your own music from home!' says Fedcat's poster

Hairdressers in Spain's north-eastern region of Catalonia have launched a campaign to avoid paying tax for playing the radio in their salons.

Hundreds of salons in Barcelona have put up posters asking customers to bring their own iPods and MP3 players.

The campaign is being led by Fedcat, the Catalan hairdressers' association.

It opposes the monthly fee of up to 12 euros (£10, $16) imposed by Spain's General Society of Authors and Editors (SGAE) for the music rights.

A spokesman for Fedcat says the situation is "incredible", as hairdressers do not make money from the music.

Jose Maria Figueres told the Barcelona Reporter that salon owners were simply trying to provide a welcoming atmosphere for clients, "as if our customers were guests in our own homes".

On the other hand, the SGAE says it is simply protecting the intellectual rights of musicians, and that all shops had to pay the fee.

The rebellion began when the SGAE decided to take legal action against a hairdresser in Barcelona who refused to sign a contract.