How to obtain PPL and PRS music licences

If you play recorded music for customers or staff in your business, you legally need a licence. The simplest way to get this is by purchasing 'TheMusicLicence' from PPL PRS Ltd. This single licence ensures that the artists, songwriters, and record labels behind the music are fairly paid for their work. Getting it sorted is a straightforward online process that protects you from copyright infringement.

What am I actually paying for?

For years, businesses had to buy two separate licences, which was confusing. Now, a joint venture called PPL PRS Ltd. combines them into one, making life much easier. Here’s what the two parts cover:

• PRS (Performing Right Society): This part of the licence fee goes to the songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It pays for the use of the musical composition itself – the melody and lyrics.
• PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited): This part of the fee goes to the performers and record companies who created the specific recording you play. It pays for the use of that particular version of the song.

Think of it this way: if you play Adele's recording of "Someone Like You", PRS pays Adele and her co-writer for writing the song, while PPL pays Adele for performing it and her record label for producing it. TheMusicLicence covers both, so you can play millions of songs without worry.

How to get TheMusicLicence

The cost of your licence depends on your type of business, the size of the area where music is audible, and how you use the music (e.g., background music, for a dance class, etc.). The process is simple:

1. Gather your details: Before you start, you’ll need to know some basic information. This typically includes your business type (e.g., café, shop, office), the audible area in square metres, and the number of staff or customer seats.
2. Go to the PPL PRS website: Use their online tool to enter your details. The system is designed to ask you the right questions to accurately calculate your annual fee.
3. Pay for your licence: Once you have your quote, you can pay online using a credit/debit card or set up a Direct Debit.
4. Display your certificate: After payment, you'll receive a certificate for TheMusicLicence. It’s good practice to display this on your premises, as inspectors can carry out checks to ensure businesses are correctly licensed.

Good to know: Common questions

Do I need a licence if I only play the radio?
Yes. While the radio station has its own broadcast licence, playing that broadcast to a wider audience in a commercial setting is considered a 'public performance'. Therefore, you still need TheMusicLicence for your premises.

What about streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music?
A personal subscription to a streaming service is for domestic use only. Their terms and conditions explicitly forbid using a personal account for commercial purposes (i.e., in your business). You still need TheMusicLicence to play music in your public space, regardless of the source.

What happens if I don't get a licence?
Playing music in your business without a licence is a form of copyright infringement. PPL PRS can take legal action, which could result in a court order and fines significantly higher than the cost of the licence itself. It’s a false economy to skip it.

Getting your music licence is a crucial step in setting up your business properly. It allows you to create the perfect atmosphere for your customers and staff while ensuring the creative people behind the music are fairly compensated.