Creative Industries

Obtain music licences for your business premises

How to obtain and maintain the correct music licences when playing recorded or live music in your business premises - covering PPL, PRS, and combined licencing options.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must get music licences if you play recorded or live music in your business. Most businesses need both PPL and PRS licences. Apply online at pplprs.co.uk. Fees start from £100 per year.

  • Get PPL licence for recorded music
  • Get PRS licence for compositions
  • Most businesses need both licences
  • Apply online at pplprs.co.uk
  • Fees range from £100-£1,000 per year
  • Display licence certificate at premises
  • Renew licence every year
  • MCPS licence needed for reproducing music
  • Penalties for unlicensed music use
  • Live music may have some exemptions
On this page
UK-wide

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When you need a music licence

If you play music in your business premises - whether background music, radio, streaming services, or live performances - you need music licences. This applies to shops, restaurants, offices, gyms, salons, hotels, and virtually any business playing music for customers or employees.

Many business owners assume that because they've paid for a Spotify or Apple Music subscription, they're covered. This is wrong. Consumer streaming subscriptions do not include the rights to play music in commercial settings.

How to apply for your music licence

The application process is straightforward, and you can complete it online in under 20 minutes.

MCPS licence for music reproduction

If your business reproduces music - manufacturing CDs, offering downloads, or streaming music as a product (not just playing it in your premises) - you may need an additional MCPS licence.

Consequences of operating without a licence

Playing music without the correct licences is copyright infringement. PPL and PRS actively enforce their rights through inspections and legal action.

What about live music?

Live music may be exempt from premises licensing requirements in certain circumstances, but you still need PPL/PRS music licences for the musical compositions being performed.