How to apply for a music licence (TheMusicLicence)

If you play recorded music, the radio, or have a TV on for customers or staff in your business, you are legally required to have a music licence. In the UK, this is called TheMusicLicence and is issued by one organisation, PPL PRS Ltd. This licence ensures that the artists, composers, and record labels who create the music you enjoy are fairly paid for their work. Getting your licence is a straightforward online process that protects you from copyright infringement.

Why do I need a music licence?

When a piece of music is created, it has two sets of copyrights. One is for the song itself (the melody and lyrics), and the other is for the specific recording of that song. In the past, you had to get two separate licences from two different bodies (PPL and PRS for Music). Now, TheMusicLicence combines both of these into a single, annual payment, making the process much simpler.

Playing music in a commercial setting without a licence is a form of copyright infringement. It can lead to legal action and significant fines, so it's a piece of admin you can't afford to skip.

How to get your licence

The process is designed to be quick and easy. You can get a quote and pay for your licence in just a few minutes by following these steps:

1. Visit the PPL PRS website: Head to the official website for TheMusicLicence.
2. Provide your business details: You will be asked for information about your business, which is used to calculate your specific fee.
3. Receive your quote: Based on your answers, you will get an instant quote for your annual licence fee.
4. Pay for your licence: You can pay the fee directly on the website using a credit or debit card. Once paid, your licence is active immediately.

How much will it cost?

There isn't a single fixed price for TheMusicLicence. The cost is tailored to your specific business and depends on a few key factors:

• Your business type: A shop, a pub, an office, and a factory will all have different tariffs.
• The size of your premises: The fee is often calculated based on the area in square metres where music is audible.
• How you use music: Simple background music will cost less than featured entertainment like a DJ or live performances.

For a small shop or café, the annual cost is typically a few hundred pounds, but the only way to know for sure is to get a quote directly from the PPL PRS website.

Common Questions

What if I only play the radio?
You still need TheMusicLicence. A radio broadcast is intended for personal, domestic use. As soon as you play it in a commercial environment for customers or staff, it is considered a 'public performance' and requires a licence.

Does this apply to staff-only areas?
Yes. Playing music in a stockroom, kitchen, or office for your employees also requires a licence. For the purposes of copyright law, a workplace is considered a 'public place'.