Creative Industries UK-wide

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.

Guide summary

You must get a music licence if you play music in your business – including background music, radio, streaming, or live performances. Apply for a combined licence from PPL PRS Ltd (onestopmusiclicensing.co.uk). Fees are typically £100 to £1,000 per year, based on your business size and how you use music. Renew your licence every year to stay legal and avoid penalties.

  • Apply for a music licence if you play music in your business
  • Get both PPL (recorded music) and PRS (compositions) licences
  • Use One Stop Music Licensing from PPL PRS Ltd for a single application
  • Fees range from £100 to £1,000 per year depending on your business
  • Renew your licence annually to avoid interruption
  • Display your licence certificate at your premises
  • Do not rely on personal streaming subscriptions – they do not cover businesses
  • Playing without a licence can lead to legal action and backdated fees
  • Live music is exempt in some cases but still needs PPL and PRS licences
  • MCPS licence is needed only if you reproduce music for sale, not for playing it
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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.