Get TheMusicLicence
TheMusicLicence covers you to play recorded or broadcast music in public — radio, streaming playlists, TV audio, a Bluetooth speaker behind the bar, all of it.
TheMusicLicence covers you to play recorded or broadcast music in public — radio, streaming playlists, TV audio, a Bluetooth speaker behind the bar, all of it. It is a single joint licence from PPL PRS Ltd that pays performers, record labels, songwriters and publishers, and it covers the whole of the UK.
Playing music without it is copyright infringement, and PPL PRS actively checks premises. Unlicensed venues get pursued for backdated fees plus the licence itself, which costs more than just buying it upfront would have.
One joint licence covers PRS and PPL rights across the UK.
Who this is for
Any venue playing music or TV/radio audio that customers or staff can hear — this includes a radio on in the kitchen, background music, and TV coverage with sound on.
No exemption for background-only use or low volume — the licence is required regardless of how the music is played.
What you’ll hold
- TheMusicLicence certificate
Watch out for
- Assuming a TV Licence covers playing music too. It does not — TheMusicLicence and the TV Licence are separate products covering different rights.
- Thinking a small, quiet venue is under the radar. PPL PRS runs proactive enforcement visits and checks against business listings, not just complaints.
- Buying it only once music becomes a feature (a DJ night, a sound system). If customers can hear any recorded audio at all from day one, the licence is needed from day one.
Sources
- PPL PRS — Get TheMusicLicence checked 2026-09-02
See also
This is item 46 of 66 in the free UK Launch Checklist. See the whole list →