Do I need an APRA AMCOS licence to play music in my business?

If customers, visitors or employees can hear protected music in your business, you will generally need the relevant permission. In New Zealand, business music licensing commonly involves both the musical work and the sound recording.

For ordinary business background music, OneMusic New Zealand is the joint licensing route for APRA AMCOS NZ and Recorded Music NZ. Live performances, copying, online delivery and other uses may need different terms.

The official Recorded Music NZ business guidance says businesses that play music in a public setting need a licence. Confirm your exact use with OneMusic before relying on a provider or a personal streaming subscription.

You do not need a separate APRA AMCOS New Zealand licence if you only use MelloJam

If your business plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player, you are not using music from the repertoire covered by APRA AMCOS's licensing route. MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights it controls are included in your MelloJam plan, so you do not need a separate licence from APRA AMCOS for the MelloJam playback itself.

A separate non-waivable venue charge can still apply where local law imposes one. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use are outside the MelloJam plan.

Back to all APRA AMCOS New Zealand licensing questions.