Do I need a PPL PRS licence to play music in my business?
Usually, yes, if music is played or performed for customers, visitors or employees in a UK business or organisation. TheMusicLicence is the common PPL and PRS for Music route for many public music uses, but the correct answer depends on the source of the music and how it is used.
When a business normally needs to check TheMusicLicence
Start with the licence question if your business:
- plays recorded music as background music for customers or staff
- plays a radio or television where people can hear it on the premises
- uses a digital music device or a commercial streaming service
- hosts live music, a DJ or a music event
- plays music in a shop, cafe, restaurant, salon, hotel, office or other public setting
The current PPL PRS guidance says the cost and licence details vary by venue type and use. Check the official TheMusicLicence page and the PPL PRS business music guidance for the current route.
Check the music source as well as the venue
| Your situation | What to check next |
| You play commercial recordings for customers or staff | The applicable public music licence and tariff. |
| You use Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or another consumer service | Whether the account terms permit business use. Paying for the consumer subscription does not answer that question. |
| You use a business music provider | What rights and territories the provider terms actually cover, and whether other music is also played. |
| You use live music, a DJ or an event | The current venue and event requirements, including any extra permissions. |
| You put music in a video, advert, app, website or livestream | Reproduction, synchronisation, online or direct rightsholder permission may be needed in addition. |
See what a PPL PRS licence covers and whether a business music service replaces PPL PRS for the two questions most often confused with this one.
If you only use MelloJam
According to MelloJam's current plan terms, a business that plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player does not need a separate PPL PRS licence for that MelloJam playback itself. The plan covers MelloJam's catalogue and the commercial playback rights MelloJam controls under those terms.
This does not cover other music sources. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use can involve different rights. A non-waivable government, statutory or collecting-society charge can still apply if applicable local law imposes it directly on the venue.
A practical check before you play music
Write down the premises, audience, music source, playback method and whether the music is background or featured entertainment. Then compare those facts with the current official tariff and the terms of your music provider. Keep the confirmation with your business records.
For the current UK route, use the official PPL PRS TheMusicLicence guidance. This page is general information, not legal advice, and the official terms and tariffs control.
Back to all PPL PRS licensing questions.