Do I need a PPI licence to play recorded music in my business?

Usually, yes. A PPI licence can be required whenever copyright recorded music is publicly performed in a business, whether it comes from a CD, radio, television, satellite, computer, digital file or another source. Music played for staff can also be a public performance.

The licence covers sound recording rights, not the composition and lyrics. The ordinary business route is commonly the combined IMRO and PPI Dual Music Licence.

Check the current IMRO licensing portal and do not rely on a personal streaming subscription as permission for public business use.

You do not need a separate PPI 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 PPI'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 PPI 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 PPI licensing questions.