How to get a music licence if you play recorded music

If you play recorded music for customers or staff in your business, you legally need a licence. In the UK, this is called TheMusicLicence and it's issued by a single company, PPL PRS Ltd. Getting this licence is a non-negotiable step that ensures the musicians, songwriters, and producers behind the music are fairly paid for their work when it's used to create an atmosphere in your venue.

What is TheMusicLicence for?

Playing music in a business is considered a 'public performance' in the eyes of the law. Copyright law protects the creators of music in two ways:

• The composition itself (the lyrics and melody), managed by PRS.
• The specific recording of that song, managed by PPL.

Previously, you needed to buy two separate licences. Thankfully, these two organisations created PPL PRS Ltd to offer a single, combined licence that covers both sets of rights. This licence covers virtually all commercially released music from the UK and around the world. It applies whether you're playing music from CDs, the radio, a TV, or a streaming service.

Note: A personal streaming subscription (like a standard Spotify or Apple Music account) does not cover use in a commercial setting; you still need TheMusicLicence.

How the fee is calculated

The cost of your licence isn't a single flat rate; it’s tailored to your specific business. The main factors that determine your annual fee are:

• Type of Venue: A small coffee shop will have a different tariff from a large restaurant or a pub.
• How Music is Used: The fee changes depending on whether the music is for background ambience or if it's a key feature, like for a DJ night.
• Audible Area: The cost is often based on the size (in square metres) of the area where the music can be heard by the public and/or your staff.

How to get your licence

The process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online in just a few steps.

1. Visit the PPL PRS Website: Head to the official PPL PRS Ltd website. They have a dedicated section for getting a new licence.
2. Provide Your Details: Use their online quote tool. You’ll need to enter information about your business, such as the type of venue, its size, and how you intend to use music.
3. Review Your Quote: The system will calculate the annual cost for your licence based on the details you provided.
4. Pay for Your Licence: Once you are happy with the quote, you can complete the application and pay the fee online. You will then receive your licence, which needs to be renewed annually to remain compliant.

Don't ignore it. Operating without TheMusicLicence is a form of copyright infringement. PPL PRS has enforcement officers who visit businesses, and you can face legal action and fines if you're caught playing music without the correct licence. It's a cost you must factor into your budget from day one.