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.
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.
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.
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.
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Get my free invoice checkThis guide is general information, not legal advice, and MLC is an independent consultancy — not affiliated with PPL PRS Ltd, PRS for Music or PPL.