How to obtain a PPL PRS TheMusicLicence

To legally play music in your shop, café, or business premises in the UK, you must obtain "TheMusicLicence" from PPL PRS Ltd. This joint licence covers the two separate permissions required to play recorded music in public: one for the performers and record labels (PPL) and one for the songwriters, composers, and publishers (PRS for Music).

Why is this licence necessary?

In the UK, music is protected by copyright law. When you play music in a commercial environment—whether it is via a streaming service, radio, CD, or TV—it is legally defined as a "public performance." Even if you are just playing the radio in the background for your staff, you are providing a benefit to your business using someone else's intellectual property. Without TheMusicLicence, you risk legal action and significant backdated royalty charges from the copyright holders.

Steps to obtain your licence

1. Determine your music usage: Think about how music will be used. Is it purely background music, or will you be hosting live performances? Do you have TVs in your customer-facing areas?
2. Calculate your "audible area": Many tariffs are based on the size of your premises. You will likely need to provide the square footage or square metres of the area where the music can be heard by customers or staff.
3. Get a quote: Visit the PPL PRS website to view the various "tariffs" available. There are different price brackets for retail shops, hairdressers, offices, and restaurants.
4. Apply for the licence: You can complete your application online or speak to the PPL PRS customer service team. They will guide you through the specific tariff that applies to your business type.
5. Pay the annual fee: The licence is typically an annual cost. Once you have paid, you will receive your certificate, which you should keep on file as proof of compliance.

Essential tips and best practices

Important: Personal accounts for streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music are for domestic use only. Even with a PPL PRS licence, using a personal account in a business setting violates the streaming service's Terms and Conditions. You should use a dedicated "business" streaming service that is licensed for commercial playback.

• Radio and TV are not "free": Many business owners mistakenly believe that because they have paid for a TV licence or are playing a free-to-air radio station, they don't need a music licence. This is incorrect; the TV licence covers the broadcast, but TheMusicLicence covers the public performance of the music within those broadcasts.
• Keep records updated: If you move to a larger shop, hire more staff (in some office-based tariffs), or change how you use music, you must inform PPL PRS. Your fee may be adjusted accordingly.
• Check for charitable discounts: If you are running a registered charity or a community project, you may be eligible for a discounted rate or, in very specific cases, an exemption.

By obtaining TheMusicLicence, you ensure that the people who create the music you enjoy are fairly compensated for their work, while you stay on the right side of UK copyright law.