Reference · 2026 · ex-VAT
PPL PRS music licence tariffs & costs (2026).
TheMusicLicence isn’t one fee. It’s a PPL tariff plus a separate PRS for Music tariff, added together. PPL covers the sound recording; PRS for Music covers the underlying song. The two set their rates separately and re-index on staggered dates, which is a big part of why bills are so hard to sanity-check. Below are the real published 2026 figures: combined for shops, where we’ve verified both halves, band tables for pubs, offices and gyms, and the full index of 121 current tariffs with links to each official source.
What a shop pays, combined
For a retail shop playing background music, the annual cost is the PPL shops tariff plus the PRS for Music “RS” tariff, by customer-audible floor area. All figures ex-VAT.
| Audible area | PPL | PRS for Music | Combined / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50m² | £204.19 | £246.80 | £450.99 |
| Up to 100m² | £204.19 | £246.80 | £450.99 |
| Up to 150m² | £204.19 | £359.90 | £564.09 |
| Up to 200m² | £204.19 | £359.90 | £564.09 |
| Up to 300m² | £204.19 | £473.70 | £677.89 |
| Up to 500m² | £204.19 | £586.70 | £790.89 |
| Up to 750m² | £257.23 | £700.20 | £957.43 |
| Up to 1000m² | £345.63 | £813.60 | £1,159.23 |
A first-year higher rate (standard plus 50%) can apply if you played music before getting licensed, for the first year only. If it’s still on your bill after that, it’s likely an overcharge. More on shops in how much a music licence costs for a shop.
The underlying band tables
The tariffs we hold as exact audible-area bands, straight from the 2026 editions. Each is only one half of the bill: a pub, for example, pays PPL’s pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés and hotels tariff and a separate PRS for Music tariff for pubs.
| Audible area | Standard / year |
|---|---|
| Up to 100m² | £246.80 |
| 101 to 150m² | £359.90 |
| 151 to 200m² | £359.90 |
| 201 to 300m² | £473.70 |
| 301 to 500m² | £586.70 |
| 501 to 750m² | £700.20 |
| 751 to 1000m² | £813.60 |
| 1001 to 1250m² | £926.80 |
| 1251 to 1500m² | £1,040.10 |
| 1501 to 1750m² | £1,153.60 |
| 1751 to 2000m² | £1,267.10 |
| 2001 to 2500m² | £1,380.40 |
| 2501 to 3000m² | £1,493.70 |
| 3001 to 3500m² | £1,607.10 |
| 3501 to 4000m² | £1,720.50 |
| 4001 to 4500m² | £1,833.50 |
| 4501 to 5000m² | £1,947.10 |
| 5001 to 6000m² | £2,060.30 |
| 6001 to 7000m² | £2,173.60 |
| 7001 to 8000m² | £2,287.00 |
| 8001 to 9000m² | £2,400.10 |
| 9001 to 10000m² | £2,513.70 |
| Audible area | Standard / year |
|---|---|
| Up to 600m² | £204.19 |
| 601 to 650m² | £221.87 |
| 651 to 700m² | £239.55 |
| 701 to 750m² | £257.23 |
| 751 to 800m² | £274.91 |
| 801 to 850m² | £292.59 |
| 851 to 900m² | £310.27 |
| 901 to 950m² | £327.95 |
| 951 to 1000m² | £345.63 |
| Each additional 50m² | +£17.68 |
| Audible area | Standard / year |
|---|---|
| Up to 400m² | £204.19 |
| 401 to 450m² | £229.71 |
| 451 to 500m² | £255.23 |
| 501 to 550m² | £280.75 |
| 551 to 600m² | £306.27 |
| 601 to 650m² | £331.79 |
| 651 to 700m² | £357.31 |
| 701 to 750m² | £382.83 |
| 751 to 800m² | £408.35 |
| 801 to 850m² | £433.87 |
| 851 to 900m² | £459.39 |
| 901 to 950m² | £484.91 |
| 951 to 1000m² | £510.43 |
| Each additional 50m² | +£25.52 |
| Audible area | Standard / year |
|---|---|
| Up to 600m² | £204.19 |
| 601 to 650m² | £221.87 |
| 651 to 700m² | £239.55 |
| 701 to 750m² | £257.23 |
| 751 to 800m² | £274.91 |
| 801 to 850m² | £292.59 |
| 851 to 900m² | £310.27 |
| 901 to 950m² | £327.95 |
| 951 to 1000m² | £345.63 |
| Each additional 50m² | +£17.68 |
| Audible area | Standard / year |
|---|---|
| Up to 99m² | £299.02 |
| 100 to 249m² | £559.69 |
| 250 to 649m² | £881.72 |
| 650 to 949m² | £1,219.07 |
| 950m² and over | £1,357.08 |
PRS for Music’s fitness tariff also charges per class on top of core music (£2.38 per fitness class and £1.52 per dance lesson from 1 February 2026), with a £73.71 minimum where a premises only has classes. See the gym guide.
The full tariff index
Every current PPL, PRS for Music and VPL tariff that can make up TheMusicLicence, with the date the current edition took effect, our guide for the businesses it covers, and a link to the official document. We publish the facts (codes, titles, dates, sources), not the copyrighted PDFs.
PPL tariffs 2026 · 68
MINFEE: PPL Minimum Fee · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP001: Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) · from 1 Oct 2026Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP002: Single Casual Events · from 1 Oct 2026Music licence for events, weddings and one-off functionsPDF ↗
PPLPP003: Pop Quizzes · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP004: Mobile DJ · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP016: Background Music — Registered Members’ Clubs · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP017: Background Music — Nightclubs, Discotheques & Dance Halls · from 1 Jan 2026Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP018: Background Music — Miscellaneous · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP020: Dance Teachers · from 1 May 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP021: Dance Studios · from 1 May 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP023: Practice & Social Dances · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP024: Holiday Centres — Dance Supplement · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP025: Scottish Highland Dancing · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP026: Folk Club Dances · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP027: Country & Western Dances · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP030: Amateur Theatrical Performances · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP031: Background Music — Theatres · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP032: Theatrical Productions · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP034: Puppet & Magic Shows · from 1 May 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP036: Background Music — Cinemas · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP037: Listening Posts · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP040: Background Music — Museums & Art Galleries · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP041: Background Music — Buses & Coaches · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP042: Background Music — Inland & Coastal Vessels · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP043: Background Music — Railway, Underground & Bus/Coach Stations · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP044: Background Music — Aircraft · from 1 Jun 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP049: Background Music — Gymnasium Workout · from 1 Sept 2026Music licence for gyms and fitness studios: how the cost really worksPDF ↗
PPLPP050: Background Music — Swimming Pools · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP051: Background Music — Spectator Sports · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP052: Background Music — Skating Rinks · from 1 Dec 2025PDF ↗
PPLPP053: Synchronised Swimming · from 1 May 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP054: Background Music — Leisure Centres & Health/Fitness Clubs · from 1 Sept 2026Music licence for gyms and fitness studios: how the cost really worksPDF ↗
PPLPP055: Background Music — Ten Pin Bowling Centres · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP056: Laser Space Games · from 1 Dec 2025PDF ↗
PPLPP057: Background Music — Concert Venues · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP058: Dressage · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP059: Background Music — Gymnastics Clubs · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP062: Fashion Shows · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP070: Background Music — Bingo Sessions · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP071: Background Music — Amusement & Pleasure Parks · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP073: Background Music — Amusement Arcades · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP074: Background Music — Casinos · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP080: Exhibitions · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP082: Public Address Engineers · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP083: Election Campaigns · from 1 May 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP084: Telephone Music on Hold · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP085: Background Music — Waiting Rooms & Reception Areas · from 1 Sept 2026Music licence for dentists, GP surgeries and care homesPDF ↗
PPLPP087: Background Music — NAAFI / Armed Services Bases · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP088: Background Music — Holiday Centres · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP090: Background Music — Caravan Parks · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP113: Background Music — Hairdressing & Beauty Salons · from 1 Jan 2026Music licence for hair and beauty salons: 2026 costs per chairPDF ↗
PPLPP114: Schools · from 1 Apr 2026Do schools need a music licence? PRS and PPL rules explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP115: ChurchesDo churches need a music licence? Worship, halls and CCLI explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP116: Community Buildings · from 1 Apr 2026Does a village hall need a music licence? Community buildings explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP210: Background Music — Pubs, Bars, Restaurants, Cafés & Hotels · from 1 Jan 2026How much is a music licence for a pub? 2026 UK costs · Music licence for cafés and coffee shops: do you need one and what does it cost?PDF ↗
PPLPP211: Background Music — Shops & Stores · from 1 Jan 2026How much is a music licence for a shop? 2026 UK costs by floor areaPDF ↗
PPLPP212: Background Music — Factories & Offices · from 1 Jan 2026Music licence for offices and workplaces: do you need one?PDF ↗
PPLPP213: Recorded Music in Hotel Bedrooms · from 1 Jan 2026Music licence for hotels: the areas you pay for and the ones you shouldn’tPDF ↗
PPLPP222: Exercise to Music (ETM) · from 1 May 2026Music licence for gyms and fitness studios: how the cost really worksPDF ↗
PPLPP223: Not-for-Profit Amateur Sports Clubs · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
PPLPP225: Background Music — Small Workplaces · from 1 Mar 2026Music licence for offices and workplaces: do you need one?PDF ↗
PPLPP226: Nurseries · from 1 Sept 2026Music licence for nurseries and childcare settings: what appliesPDF ↗
PPLPP289: Small Residential Hotels & Guesthouses · from 1 Jan 2026Music licence for hotels: the areas you pay for and the ones you shouldn’tPDF ↗
PPLPP299: Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) — Tariff 299Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
PPLPP310: PPL Tariff (PPLPP310)PDF ↗
PPLPP311: PPL Tariff (PPLPP311)PDF ↗
PPLPP399: Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) — Tariff 399Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
SFE: Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) — Nightclubs, Pubs, Bars, Restaurants, Cafés & HotelsNightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explained · Music licence for pubs with DJ nights: how the SFE tariff really worksPDF ↗
PRS for Music tariffs 2026 · 44
AC: Aircraft · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
AMS: PRS Tariff ‘AMS’ · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
APS: Amusement Parks · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
AS: Agricultural & County Shows · from 1 Feb 2026PDF ↗
B: Bands (Service & Other) · from 1 Nov 2025PDF ↗
BC: Bowling Concourses · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
BO: Bingo · from 1 Jul 2026PDF ↗
C: Cinemas · from 1 Jan 2024PDF ↗
CB: Community Buildings · from 1 Apr 2026Does a village hall need a music licence? Community buildings explainedPDF ↗
D: Commercial Discotheques & Dance Halls · from 1 Aug 2026Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
DP: Dance Parties · from 1 Jun 2026Nightclub and DJ-night music licence costs: the SFE tariff explainedPDF ↗
EE: Educational Establishments · from 1 Feb 2026Do schools need a music licence? PRS and PPL rules explainedPDF ↗
EX: ExhibitionsPDF ↗
FD: Fitness & Dance · from 1 Feb 2026Music licence for gyms and fitness studios: how the cost really worksPDF ↗
FE: Further Education Colleges · from 1 Feb 2026PDF ↗
FL: Firework Displays · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
GP: General Purposes · from 1 Sept 2026Live music licence UK: the two permissions people mix upPDF ↗
HB: Hairdressers & Beauty SalonsMusic licence for hair and beauty salons: 2026 costs per chairPDF ↗
HC: Holiday Centres · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
HCP: Holiday Caravan Parks · from 1 Mar 2026PDF ↗
HR: Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés · from 1 Jul 2026Music licence for hotels: the areas you pay for and the ones you shouldn’t · Music licence for cafés and coffee shops: do you need one and what does it cost?PDF ↗
I: Music in the Workplace · from 1 Mar 2026Music licence for offices and workplaces: do you need one?PDF ↗
J: Proprietary Clubs · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
JMC: Members’ Clubs · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
K: Circuses · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
LA: Local Authorities & CouncilsPDF ↗
LC: Classical Music Concerts & Recitals · from 1 Sept 2026Live music licence UK: the two permissions people mix upPDF ↗
LP: Popular Music Concerts · from 1 Jun 2026Live music licence UK: the two permissions people mix upPDF ↗
MH: PRS Tariff ‘MH’ · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
ML: PRS Tariff ‘ML’ · from 1 Nov 2025PDF ↗
MV: PRS Tariff ‘MV’ · from 1 Jun 2026PDF ↗
N: Nurseries & Pre-Schools · from 1 Sept 2026Music licence for nurseries and childcare settings: what appliesPDF ↗
O: Open-Air Places & Parks · from 1 Jul 2026PDF ↗
P: Public Houses · from 1 Oct 2026How much is a music licence for a pub? 2026 UK costs · Music licence for pubs with DJ nights: how the SFE tariff really worksPDF ↗
PSB: Passenger ShippingPDF ↗
RS: Shops & Stores · from 1 Jan 2026How much is a music licence for a shop? 2026 UK costs by floor areaPDF ↗
SE: Sports Events · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
SP: Small Premises · from 1 Nov 2025PDF ↗
SR: Skating Rinks · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
T: Theatrical Presentations · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
TR: PRS Tariff ‘TR’ · from 1 Oct 2026PDF ↗
UCH: Universities & Colleges · from 1 Sept 2026PDF ↗
V: Variety Shows · from 1 Jul 2026PDF ↗
YCH: Youth Clubs & Centres · from 1 Feb 2026PDF ↗
VPL tariffs 2026 · 9
VPLPP001: Music Video — Background Fees · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP002: Music Video — Foreground Fees · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP004: Music Video — Exhibition Fees · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP005: Music Video — Airlines · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP006: Music Video — Concert & Stage Events · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP007: Video Jukebox Operators · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP009: Music Video — Mobile DJ · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP013: Music Video — Spectator Sports · from 1 Aug 2026PDF ↗
VPLPP014: Music Video — Gyms & Leisure Centres · from 1 Jan 2026PDF ↗
Common questions
- What are the PPL and PRS tariffs for 2026?
- TheMusicLicence is priced by adding a PPL tariff and a PRS for Music tariff for your type of business. This page lists all 121 current tariffs (68 PPL, 44 PRS for Music and 9 VPL for music videos), with the date each current edition took effect and a link to the official PDF. They re-index on different dates, so check the edition that applied when your licence year started.
- How much is a music licence for a small shop in 2026?
- A shop with up to 100m² of audible area pays £450.99 a year before VAT for background music: £204.19 under PPL's shops tariff plus £246.80 under PRS for Music's 'RS' tariff. Larger shops pay more by floor area, as the table above shows. A first-year higher rate can apply if music was played before the licence was taken out.
- Is there a cheaper rate if we only play the radio?
- Sometimes, on the PPL side. PPL's 2026 shops tariff and its pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés and hotels tariff offer a concessionary fee of 50% of the first-band fee to premises with an audible area of 50m² or less that only use traditional radio or TV broadcasts. The factories and offices tariff offers the same to premises of 100m² or less. Streaming, CDs or anything else rules it out.
- Is VAT added to these figures?
- Yes. Every figure on this page is before VAT, and VAT is added to TheMusicLicence invoice. If you're VAT-registered you can normally reclaim it like any other business cost, but compare like with like when you check your bill.
- What is the 50% higher rate on a music licence?
- If music was played before a licence was taken out, the first licence year can be charged at the standard rate plus 50%. It should fall back to the standard rate from the second year. If your renewal still shows the higher rate, that's worth querying.
- Where do these figures come from?
- From the tariff documents PPL, PRS for Music and VPL publish, linked from https://pplprs.co.uk/business/other/ (public PPL, PRS for Music & VPL tariffs for TheMusicLicence). We record the facts (codes, dates and band figures) and link to each official PDF. Music Licence Consulting is independent and isn't affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PPL or PRS for Music.
Not sure which tariff you’re on?
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Figures are the published 2026 PPL, PRS for Music and VPL tariffs, ex-VAT, and re-index annually: treat them as a snapshot, not a quote. Source: https://pplprs.co.uk/business/other/ (public PPL, PRS for Music & VPL tariffs for TheMusicLicence). MLC is independent and not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PRS for Music or PPL.