Do I Need a Music Licence for My Business?
A Straightforward Guide for UK Businesses in 2025
🎵 Let’s make this simple
If you run a business that plays music — even quietly in the background — you probably need something called TheMusicLicence.
But between vague advice and confusing pricing, a lot of people either overpay or get caught out without knowing the rules. I used to work on the inside of this system, so I’ve seen it happen more than I’d like.
This guide will help you figure out if you actually need a licence, what it should cost, and how to avoid common mistakes.
✅ When you’ll likely need a licence
If you play any recorded music for your customers or staff, you're expected to have TheMusicLicence.
That includes:
Music via Spotify, radio, TV, or CDs
Playing music in waiting rooms, shop floors, salons, gyms, or offices
Even music heard by staff in non-customer areas
You can double-check this with PPL PRS directly on their website.
❌ When you might not need one
You may not need a licence if:
You don’t play music at all
You use royalty-free or licence-exempt music from specialist providers
Your space is entirely private with no public access and no shared audio
Still, a lot of businesses wrongly assume they’re exempt. PPL PRS can and do chase businesses even when no licence is needed, so it’s worth verifying.
🧾 What is TheMusicLicence?
TheMusicLicence is issued by PPL PRS Ltd — a company formed by two rights organisations:
PPL – represents performers and record labels
PRS for Music – represents composers, songwriters and publishers
Together, they charge businesses to play music in public spaces. Here’s what they say they cover.
💸 What should it cost?
The cost depends on:
The type of business you run
Your floor area and how music is used
Whether you play music in customer areas, staff-only zones, or during classes or events
You can find their tariff documents here — but they’re not exactly beginner-friendly.
I've helped plenty of businesses who were paying for things they didn’t even use.
⚠️ What happens if you don’t get one?
You might get:
A letter or email from PPL PRS
Requests for backdated payments
Persistent follow-ups or even legal pressure in rare cases
That doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. But it does mean you should respond early and get proper guidance before paying anything.
👋 How I can help
This is exactly why I set up PlayLegal.
I offer independent advice for UK businesses, helping you:
Figure out whether you actually need a licence
Make sure you’re on the right tariff
Push back on unfair bills or contact from PPL PRS
Handle all the calls and emails on your behalf
I don’t work for them. I work for you.
🎯 Let’s check your setup
Not sure if you're licensed correctly? Or wondering if you should even be paying at all?
Let’s take a look — I offer a free check to see where you stand.
Tags: PPL PRS, TheMusicLicence, UK business, music licensing, compliance, legal
