Music Licence for Shop: What You Actually Need (and What You Don’t)

31 Jul

Wondering if your shop needs a music licence?

This guide explains exactly what you do (and don’t) need to stay compliant, avoid backcharges, and stop overpaying.

Do You Need a Licence to Play Music in a Shop?

Yes. If you play recorded music in your shop — whether it’s via radio, Spotify, CDs, or smart speakers — you’ll usually need a music licence from PPL PRS Ltd. This applies even if:

You’re a small independent store
You’re using music mainly for staff
You only play the radio

The licence covers both:

PPL (recording artists & labels)
PRS for Music (songwriters & publishers)

What Counts as “Public Performance”?

Music is considered a public performance when it’s audible to customers, not just staff. That includes:

Background playlists
FM or DAB radio
Music on hold
Events with DJs, playlists, or speakers

Even if you’re only using music to create atmosphere, it still qualifies.

What Kind of Licence Does a Shop Need?

It depends on:

The size of your shop (in square metres)
Whether music is played to customers, staff, or both
Whether you host events or use live DJs

You’ll typically pay for background music per square metre. Additional charges may apply for:

Staff areas with music
Events with DJs or live performers
Multi-site usage or floor-by-floor setups

Common Mistakes & Overpayments

Many UK businesses overpay for their music licences because:

Their square metreage is overestimated
They’re charged for zones without music
They’re billed for events that don’t happen
Their setup hasn’t been reviewed in years

This is where PlayLegal comes in.

How PlayLegal Helps

We offer fixed-fee or savings-based audits of your music licensing setup. Acting under a simple Letter of Authority, we:

Request your historical invoices from PPL PRS
Measure your actual licensed areas (laser-audit optional)
Check if your current setup aligns with reality
Negotiate savings or backdated corrections where needed

No upfront cost. No risk. Just clarity.

Final Word: Don’t Pay for What You Don’t Use

Whether you run a convenience store, salon, barber shop, or retail boutique — it’s worth double-checking that you’re not being overcharged for music you don’t even play.