Do I need a music licence for my business?
If customers or staff can hear music, the answer is usually yes. Here’s the honest version.
On this page
Most UK businesses that play music in public or to staff need TheMusicLicence. Playing commercially released music (whether from the radio, a streaming service, TV, or live performers) generally requires permission from the copyright holders, which TheMusicLicence provides in a single licence covering both PPL and PRS for Music. If you are new to all this, our complete guide to the music licence explains how the whole system fits together.
When you need it#
- Background music in customer areas (shops, cafés, restaurants, salons, gyms, waiting rooms).
- Music played for staff in offices, workshops, warehouses or kitchens.
- Live music, DJs, karaoke or events.
- Music on hold on your phone system, and TVs or radios in public areas.
Can I just use my personal Spotify or Apple Music?#
No. Personal subscriptions to Spotify, Apple Music and similar services are licensed for personal, non-commercial use only: their terms don’t permit playing music in a business. To play music to customers or staff you need a commercial music source (or your own compliant setup) and TheMusicLicence. Using a personal account in your business doesn’t remove the need for a licence.
The limited exceptions#
There are narrow situations where a licence may not be required, for example certain uses of royalty-free or specifically-licensed music, or some genuinely private settings. These are the exception rather than the rule, and getting them wrong is risky.
What happens if you don’t have one#
Using music without the appropriate licence can lead to enforcement action, and some PRS for Music tariffs apply a first-year surcharge, up to 50%, where a business was already using music unlicensed before being contacted. Arranging your licence proactively avoids being in that position at all.
Our position#
We’re not here to help anyone dodge a licence they legitimately need: that rarely ends well. Our job is to make sure you’re correctly licensed and on the lowest compliant tariff, so you’re covered and not overpaying. If you’re unsure where you stand, get in touch.
Common questions
- Who needs a music licence?
- Most UK businesses that play music in public need one. That covers background music for customers in shops, cafes, restaurants, salons and gyms, music played for staff in offices, workshops or kitchens, live music, DJs, karaoke and events, and even music on hold or a TV or radio in a public area.
- Can I play music in my shop from my own Spotify account?
- No. Personal Spotify and Apple Music subscriptions are licensed for personal, non-commercial use only, so their terms don't permit playing music in a business. To play music to customers or staff you need a commercial music source and TheMusicLicence, which covers both PPL and PRS for Music.
- Do I need a music licence for my business?
- Usually yes, if customers or staff can hear music. Playing commercially released music, whether from radio, streaming, TV or live performers, generally requires permission from the copyright holders, which TheMusicLicence provides in one licence covering both PPL and PRS for Music, so most businesses don't need to deal with the two societies separately.
- Are there any exceptions to needing a music licence?
- There are narrow ones, such as certain uses of royalty-free or specifically-licensed music, or some genuinely private settings. These are the exception rather than the rule, and getting them wrong is risky, so it's worth checking your situation properly rather than assuming you're exempt.
Want it checked or set up properly?
- Already paying? Send your latest invoice for a free check and a plain-English answer within five working days.
- Four or more sites? A free estate check, site by site, with a clear summary of anything that's off.
- No licence yet? We tell you exactly what to declare and make the application for you.
Get told when the rates change
PPL and PRS re-index their tariffs every year. Leave your email and we'll let you know when the main rates change (January and July), with a reminder to check your invoice. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and MLC is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PRS for Music or PPL.