What happens if you play music without a licence?

Playing commercially released music in public without the appropriate licence is copyright infringement, and PPL PRS can pursue payment for it, including backdated use going back up to six years, sometimes with a first-year higher rate. In cases of continued refusal they can take civil legal action. But a letter is not a fine, and the vast majority of cases are resolved simply by getting correctly licensed at the right figure.

What PPL PRS can do#

• Seek payment for prior unlicensed use, generally up to six years.
• Apply a first-year higher rate (standard + 50%) for the period you were unlicensed.
• Bring a civil claim, and seek a court injunction, if a business keeps playing music unlicensed and won’t engage.

What it isn’t#

It isn’t a criminal fine issued like a parking ticket: it’s a civil copyright matter. And a demand isn’t a settled figure: you’re entitled to have the calculation checked, and to challenge the period, the tariff or a higher rate that’s been applied incorrectly.

The calm way to handle it#

Don’t ignore it: that only lets the position escalate. But don’t panic-pay a backdated demand on trust either. Gather what you can about how and when you actually used music, get the calculation checked against the published tariffs, and get correctly licensed at the right amount. Most owners are happy to pay their fair share; the goal is simply to make sure it’s fair.

Send us the letter and we’ll check it (the period, the tariff and any higher rate) and tell you honestly where you stand. One site? The free Invoice Check gives you a written verdict in five working days. Four or more sites? The estate review is free and we only charge if we recover money. See pricing.

• Backdated up to six years: what to know →
• The 50% higher royalty rate explained →
• PPL PRS letter decoder →

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.