How to apply for a music licence

To legally play recorded music for customers or staff in your business, you need to get TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS Ltd. This single licence ensures that the artists, songwriters, and producers behind the music are paid for their work. The quickest way to get started is by visiting the PPL PRS website and using their online application tool.

Why do I need a music licence?

When you play music in a public or commercial setting – whether it's a shop, an office, a café, or a workshop – it's considered a 'public performance'. UK copyright law protects the creative work of musicians and songwriters, and this licence gives you the legal permission to use their music. It's a bit like paying for a business software licence, but for music.

TheMusicLicence is a legal requirement that combines the permissions previously offered separately by two organisations: PPL (which represents record companies and performers) and PRS for Music (which represents songwriters, composers, and publishers). Now, you only need to deal with one entity to get fully covered.

Who is it for?

You'll need a licence if you play music for anyone other than yourself in a business context. This includes:

• Retail shops and showrooms
• Cafes, restaurants, and pubs
• Hairdressers and beauty salons
• Offices and factories (for staff)
• Gyms and leisure centres
• Hotels and guest houses

This applies no matter how you play the music, whether it's via the radio, a CD, a playlist on a streaming service, or on a television.

How to get your licence

The process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather your business details: Before you apply, PPL PRS will need to know a few things to calculate your fee. This typically includes the type of business you run, the size of the area (in square metres) where music is audible, and how you use the music (e.g., background music, for a telephone on-hold system, etc.).
2. Complete the application: The easiest way is to head to the PPL PRS website and fill out their online form. You can also call them if you prefer. You'll be asked for the details you gathered in the previous step.
3. Receive your quote: Based on the information you provide, you will be given a price for your annual licence. The cost varies significantly depending on your business type and music usage. For example, a small office will pay much less than a large nightclub.
4. Make the payment: Once you pay the fee, you are officially licensed to play millions of songs in your business for the year.

A quick tip: Personal vs. Business accounts

It's important to remember that a personal streaming subscription (like a standard Spotify or Apple Music account) does not cover you for commercial use. The terms and conditions for these services explicitly state they are for personal, non-commercial use only. You still need TheMusicLicence even if you are using a streaming service to play the music.

Getting your music licence is a simple but essential step to ensure your business is operating legally and ethically, supporting the creative industries that make the music we all enjoy.