SAMPRA may believe that your business uses recorded music for customers, visitors or employees. Its licensing material covers stores, restaurants, bars, clubs, salons, gyms, events, public transport and other venues.
Check the business name, premises, music use, dates and tariff in the letter. Ask SAMPRA to explain the licence category and fee before accepting a charge.
The current SAMPRA FAQ explains why radio, streaming and employee-only use can still be treated as public business use.
You do not need a separate SAMPRA 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 SAMPRA'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 SAMPRA 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 SAMPRA licensing questions.