Why do I need a PPL music licence?

If you play recorded music or music videos in public – including radio or TV – you will almost certainly be legally required to have a PPL licence.

We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to explain this area of the law, who needs a licence from PPL, and how you can get licensed. Take a look through the sections below - if you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.

Do I need a licence?

This section will help you if you are unsure whether you require a PPL music licence:

I own the CD or download, so why do I have to pay again to play it in public?
- Buying a CD or download only allows you to use it for domestic purposes, such as listening to it at home for private enjoyment. If however you play a CD or download (or other forms of recorded music) in public, then in almost all cases a PPL licence will be legally required. 'Playing recorded music in public' has a wide legal meaning – you can read more about the law relating to playing recorded music in public in the other FAQs below.
What is the definition of 'playing recorded music in public'?
- A PPL licence is required when recorded music, including radio and TV, is played in public. There is no statutory definition of 'playing in public' (also sometimes referred to as 'public performance') but the UK courts have given guidance on its meaning and ruled that it is any playing of music outside of a domestic setting – so, for example, playing recorded music at a workplace, public event or in the course of any business activities is considered to be 'playing in public'. In contrast, any recorded music being played as part of domestic home life or when there is an audience entirely comprised of friends and/or family (such as at a private family party) does not require a PPL licence.
Do I need a licence from both PPL and PRS for Music?
- PPL and PRS for Music are two separate independent companies and in most instances a licence is required from both organisations for you to legally play recorded music in public. While both organisations licence the use of music and collect royalties for the music industry, each represents different rights holders and have separate licences, terms and conditions.
  
  PPL collects and distributes money for the use of recorded music on behalf of record companies and performers. PRS for Music collects and distributes money for the use of the musical composition and lyrics on behalf of authors, songwriters, composers and publishers.
I pay my TV licence – doesn't that allow me to play the TV in my business?
- A TV licence (which is issued by TV Licensing on behalf of the BBC) is needed so that you can use television equipment to receive TV signals. It does not grant you any permission to use recorded music from PPL's repertoire and so, for example, a PPL licence is required to play in public the recorded music used as part of the broadcasts or to relay the signals received to other places of receipt such as to each room in a hotel.
  
  Much TV programming includes the use of recorded music (whether in individual programmes or in trailers and promotions for those programmes) so if those programmes are played in public by having the TV on at your business premises, then a PPL licence will almost certainly be required. If you play a TV at your business premises, please contact PPL to discuss the specific licensing requirements for your business.

When would I not need a PPL licence to play music?
- There are a number of circumstances in which, despite playing music at business premises, you may not require a PPL licence. Some of the more common situations are set out below. For more information about other situations in which a PPL licence may not be required, please contact us at 020 7534 1070.
  
  A PPL licence is not required where a business or organisation does not play recorded music or where it is not playing it 'in public' (such as where it is only played at private family events such as weddings or birthday parties). Where only live music is played, a PPL licence is not needed but a PRS for Music licence will usually be needed to cover the use of the musical compositions and lyrics.
  
  A PPL licence is also not required if none of the recorded music you play is owned by any of PPL's members – such as recordings where the copyright has expired, or recordings sometimes referred to as 'copyright free' music (although the 'copyright free' music provider may still charge you a fee to use their recordings). The vast majority of recorded music is licensed by PPL – you can use the PPL Repertoire Search as a guide to what recorded music is covered by a PPL licence.
  
  PPL also operates discretionary licensing policies for lone workers and home offices. If these apply to your business then (despite the strict legal position) PPL will not require you to obtain a licence. Details can be found in these FAQs, or you can contact PPL for more information.

I only play music in staff areas/areas not for members of the public. Do I need a PPL licence?
- The courts have given guidance on the meaning of 'playing in public' and ruled that it is any playing of music outside of a domestic setting. It does not have to be a public place, or somewhere to which the general public has access. So playing recorded music to staff in a workplace environment will in almost all cases require a PPL licence.
  
  However, PPL operates discretionary licensing policies for lone workers and home offices. If these apply to your business, then (despite the strict legal position) PPL will not require you to obtain a licence. Details can be found in these FAQs, or you can contact us for more information.

I work alone – do I need a PPL licence?
- The courts have given guidance on the legal meaning of 'playing in public' and have determined that it covers any playing of music other than in a domestic context. There is no legal requirement for a minimum number of people to be present. On this basis, the playing of recorded music in a business environment will ordinarily require a PPL licence, including where this is only audible to workers. Recorded music can be a powerful business tool, whatever the size of the business.
  
  However, PPL operates a discretionary licensing policy in respect of lone workers, as follows:
  
  Lone workers in factories and offices
  PPL does not require a business to obtain a licence under PPL's Factories & Offices tariff (PPL212) where both of the following criteria apply:
  
  1. It is a factory or office with only one worker; and
  2. Recorded music is not played at any time when any other person is at, or visiting, the premises (such as another staff member, a member of the public or any other visitor).
  
  Please note that, in the event that a factory or office meets the above criteria but is also using recorded music in other ways (such as telephone music on hold), it would still require the appropriate PPL licence for those other uses.
  
  Lone workers in other commercial premises
  PPL similarly would not require a lone worker to obtain a licence to play recorded music as background music at other types of business premises, provided that it is not played at any time when any other person is at, or visiting, the premises.
  
  An example would be a shop where there is only one member of staff, and recorded music is only played when the shop is closed to customers and other visitors. Under its discretionary licensing policy, PPL would not require the shop to obtain a licence for this. Similarly, PPL would not seek to license a worker playing recorded music when alone in a company car or delivery vehicle.
  
  We would encourage businesses to contact PPL so that we can advise further on what (if any) PPL licensing requirements may be applicable to their specific circumstances. PPL may vary its discretionary licensing policies from time to time but we do not have any current plans in this regard and we would give reasonable notice to our customers before doing so. PPL has a separate discretionary licensing policy in respect of home offices.

I work from home and listen to music as I work. Do I need a PPL licence?
- The courts have given guidance on the legal meaning of 'playing in public' and have determined that it covers any playing of music other than in a domestic context. This test is about the nature of the music use, not simply its location. On this basis, the playing of recorded music in a home office environment will ordinarily require a PPL licence. Recorded music can be a powerful business tool, whether that business is based in commercial or residential premises.
  
  However, PPL operates a discretionary licensing policy in respect of home offices, as follows:
  
  Home offices
  PPL does not require a business to obtain a licence under PPL's Factories & Offices tariff (PPL212) where all of the following criteria apply:
  
  1. It is an office based at a private residential address;
  2. The only workers at the office are individuals who live at that address; and
  3. Recorded music is not played at any time when any other person is at or visiting the office (such as a non-resident staff member, a member of the public or any other visitor).
  
  Please note that, in the event that an office meets the above criteria but is also using recorded music in other ways (such as telephone music on hold), it would still require the appropriate PPL licence for those other uses.
  
  We would encourage businesses to contact PPL so that we can advise further on what (if any) PPL licensing requirements may be applicable to their specific circumstances. PPL may vary its discretionary licensing policies from time to time but we do not have any current plans in this regard and we would give reasonable notice to our customers before doing so. PPL has a separate discretionary licensing policy in respect of lone workers.
What benefits are there to getting a PPL licence?
- If PPL did not exist, a business playing recorded music at its premises would be required to contact potentially thousands of record companies to individually obtain their permission before being able to play recorded music lawfully. PPL and PRS for Music together commission independent research into the effect that music can have for businesses. This MusicWorks research has shown that customers spend more time and money in businesses that play music; staff are more motivated and less likely to be off work; and that people are more likely to recommend and revisit a business that plays good music..
  
  Read more MusicWorks research.
Do I need a licence to play music videos in my business?
- If you are playing music videos in public you may legally require a licence from PPL's sister company, VPL. The cost of a VPL licence depends on how many screens the music videos are played upon and how large the screens are. Apply for a licence online for your business type, or please contact us on 0207 534 1070 or ppnb@ppluk.com.
Do I need a PPL licence wherever in the British Isles my business or organisation is based?
- The rights PPL manages on behalf of its members cover the use of recorded music in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
  
  The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The applicable law in Guernsey is the Copyright (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Ordinance 2005. The applicable law in Jersey is the Intellectual Property (Unregistered Rights) (Jersey) Law 2011. The applicable law in the Isle of Man is the Copyright Act 1991. The licensing requirements for businesses and organisations in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man will be slightly different in some cases, due to differences in the local copyright legislation; where this applies, we aim to explain this clearly when contacting your business or organisation.

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More about PPL and music licensing

Find out more about who we are and the legal rules relating to music licensing:

What is the law relating to playing recorded music in public?
- Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, if recorded music is 'played in public' (ie, played in any context other than a domestic one) every play of every recording requires the permission of the owner of the copyright in that recording (usually a record company).
  
  If PPL did not exist, a business playing recorded music at its premises would be required to contact potentially thousands of record companies to individually obtain their permission before being able to play recorded music lawfully.
  
  Record companies transfer their rights in recorded music to PPL so that we can issue licences to businesses and effectively give them the record companies' permission for their recorded music to be played in public. The performers on those recordings are then also legally entitled to receive a fair payment where they are played in public.
  
  By providing licensing solutions for the use of almost all commercial recorded music, PPL creates substantial efficiencies for both copyright owners and those who play music in public.
  
  If a business requires a PPL licence but does not obtain one, the business will be infringing copyright. This is also unfair to those other businesses who have obtained a PPL licence, not to mention the tens of thousands of performers and record companies who are responsible for the recorded music that the unlicensed business is using. PPL undertakes a range of local and national activities to try and raise awareness of music licensing requirements amongst businesses, but the legal requirement to obtain a licence is not affected by whether or not a business was aware.

What happens if my business plays recorded music but doesn't get a PPL licence?
- Where a business or organisation requires a PPL licence but does not obtain one, they will be infringing copyright and may ultimately face legal proceedings. Those proceedings would not be a debt claim; instead they would be in respect of copyright infringement liability. Legal proceedings are very much a last resort, but unfortunately are sometimes necessary. A court can order the business to pay its outstanding licence fees plus PPL's legal costs and issue a court order known as an injunction to stop the business playing recorded music until this is done.

I've never heard of PPL – how I do I know you're legitimate?
- PPL is the UK-based music licensing company that licenses recorded music played in public or broadcast on the radio or TV and then distributes the fees to its performer and record company members.
  
  Established in 1934, PPL now carries out this role on behalf of tens of thousands of members. Read more of our company history.
  
  Our website also has more details of where we advertise, the trade events we attend, our press releases, and some of our other awareness-raising activities such as the successful series of People's Charts we have compiled.

What are the terms that would apply to my licence?
- Standard terms and conditions apply to all our licences for playing recorded music (or music videos) in public. They are available to download here:
  
  PPL (for recorded music)
  
  VPL (for music videos)

How does PPL set and review tariffs and licensing schemes?
- PPL is committed to setting fair and reasonable tariffs, licences and licensing schemes. When we propose to introduce a new licensing scheme or significantly amend an existing scheme, we will take a fair, reasonable and proportionate approach to consultation and negotiation. Please see section 3.3 of our Code of Conduct for licensees for more details.

What is the role of the Copyright Tribunal?
- By providing a single licence allowing the use of almost all commercial recorded music, PPL creates substantial efficiencies for both copyright owners and those who play music in public. PPL always tries to strike a fair balance when setting fees but because there are few effective alternatives to obtaining a PPL licence for some uses of music, the Copyright Tribunal has the power to review PPL's licence fees and terms and to change them if it feels necessary.
  
  PPL can provide information about who can apply to the Copyright Tribunal and how to do so when responding to disputes or concerns regarding our terms or fees.

What joint licensing solutions are operated by PPL and PRS for Music?
- PPL and PRS for Music currently operate the following joint licensing solutions:
  • Limited Manufacture Licence
  • Produb
  • Community buildings
  
  In addition:
  • PPL and PRS for Music licences for the non-curricular use of music at schools are both administered by CEFM (Centre for Education and Finance Management).
  • PPL and PRS for Music licences for the public performance of music at churches are both administered by CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International).

I'm not satisfied with the level of customer service I've received. How should I let you know?
- PPL is committed to providing its customers with first-class service. We therefore welcome your feedback (positive or negative) about our service to you. We appreciate that in some situations our licensing customers (including prospective licensees) may wish to give us feedback about the service they have received from us, if they feel that this has not met their expectations.
  
  Please refer to our published Comments, Feedback and Complaints procedure. We ask that you follow the steps set out within this procedure, to help us address your concerns effectively.

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Getting a PPL music licence

Find out how much a PPL licence costs and how to obtain one:

How much does a PPL licence cost?
- The cost of a PPL music licence can depend on several factors, such as business type; the size of your business; and how you use recorded music in your business. A licence can cost from as little as 19p a day. Find out what a PPL music licence could cost your business.
  
  Apply for a licence online today, or please contact us on 0207 534 1070 or ppnb@ppluk.com.

How do I apply for a PPL licence?
- You can submit an application via our website today and we may contact you afterwards to confirm your licensing requirements. Alternatively, please contact us on 0207 534 1070 or ppnb@ppluk.com.
I’ve applied online for a PPL licence – what do I do now?
- If PPL have all the information necessary to begin licensing your business, an invoice will be sent out to the address you supplied. Once the total amount is paid, your PPL licence will be granted.
  
  If more information is needed after you've applied through our website, a member of the PPL customer service team will aim to contact you within two working days. They will confirm the information that has been provided online to check it is correct and ensure which PPL licence best fits your needs. We will then be able to provide you with an exact cost for your PPL music licence and send you an invoice. Once the total amount is paid, your PPL licence will be granted.

How can I pay for my licence?
- Once you have been invoiced, you can pay for your PPL music licence by one of the following methods:
  
  Pay Online
  Visit ppluk.com/payonline to pay your invoice online by credit or debit card.
  
  Credit/Debit Card
  Please contact us on 020 7534 1070 to pay your invoice by credit or debit card over the phone.
  
  Please note that calls to/from PPL may be recorded for quality and training purposes.
  
  Electronic bank transfer/BACS
  PPL's bank details can be found on the back of your invoice. Please quote the invoice number on any BACS payment as this will enable us to process your payment more efficiently. Please allow up to five working days for your payment to reach us.
  
  Cheque
  Your cheque should be made payable to PPL. Please write the following details on the reverse of the cheque; your account number in the top, right-hand corner and the invoice number in the bottom, right-hand corner. The cheque should be sent, with your remittance slip, to:
  
  Finance Department
  PPL
  1 Upper James Street
  London
  W1F 9DE
  
  If paying by cheque, please ensure you write both your account number and your invoice number on the reverse of the cheque as described above. Without these, we are unable to process your payment. Please allow five working days for your payment to reach us.

Does PPL charge for past music usage?
- When a business is first found to be playing recorded music without a PPL licence (or continuing to play recorded music without renewing a PPL licence), PPL is legally entitled to charge for all recorded music use dating back to when the recorded music was first played (up to a maximum of six years). PPL undertakes a range of local and national activities to try and raise awareness of music licensing requirements amongst businesses, but the legal requirement to obtain a licence is not affected by whether or not a business was aware.

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Understanding your invoice

Find out how your PPL invoice is calculated and what it means:

I don’t understand my PPL invoice.
- See a breakdown of an example invoice.
  
  If you still unsure about your latest PPL invoice, please contact us on 0207 534 1070 or ppnb@ppluk.com.

I've recently changed my business address. Can I transfer my PPL licence to the new property?
- A PPL licence only entitles a named person or organisation to play recorded music in public at designated premises. If a business moves address, the type and amount of music they play may also change. For this reason we issue a new licence when a business moves address. Please contact us at 020 7534 1070 or ppo@ppluk.com to let us know if you have changed (or are about to change) the address of the business that is covered by your existing PPL licence.
I don't play recorded music but I've just received an invoice – what do I do?
- If you have been incorrectly invoiced for a PPL music licence, please contact PPL on 0207 534 1070 or ppnb@ppluk.com. PPL will send a declaration form for you to complete to confirm that you do not play any recorded music in public and so do not require a PPL licence. However please be aware that 'playing in public' has a wide legal meaning covering any non-domestic use and that that recorded music can be played in public through a variety of means including TV and radio usage.

Does it matter how much music I play while licensed by PPL?
- If you are licensed by PPL for playing background music, there are no limits on how much recorded music you are allowed to play for these purposes. Licences are issued for a fixed period (usually 12 months) that entitles the business to play recorded music as much or as little as they would like within this period, enabling PPL to offer a low flat fee to all background music customers.
  
  PPL's licences for specially featured entertainment and certain other licences specify the number and duration of events that they cover. In these licences, the customer purchases an agreed package of use and can play recorded music as much as they like within these agreed limits.

What happens if I stop playing music - do I get a refund?
- PPL provides an annual licence and does not offer refunds. Licences are issued for a fixed period (usually 12 months) that entitles the business to play recorded music for as much or as little as they would like within this period.
  
  However, customers should contact us if they feel their exceptional circumstances should be taken into consideration.

Why have I received a surcharge on my invoice?
- In certain cases, PPL is entitled to apply a surcharge increasing the licence fee by 50% where businesses play recorded music in public without first obtaining (or renewing) their PPL licence. This follows a decision of the Copyright Tribunal. Where a surcharge is part of a tariff, we will make this clear as part of the tariff information available via our website and in the invoices and related documentation we send you.
  
  Currently, the following PPL tariffs include a surcharge:
  • Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels
  • Shops and stores
  • Factories and offices
  • Hairdressing and beauty salons
  • Hotel bedrooms (tariff effective from 1 January 2013 but grace period in respect of surcharge until 1 January 2014)
  • Exercise to music (tariff effective from 1 May 2013)
  
  If you wish to know more about why the surcharge has been applied to your invoice, or if you think it should not have been applied, please contact us using the information shown on your invoice and we can advise you further.

What happens to the licence fee?
- All licence fees collected (less our running costs, as we are a not-for-profit organisation) are distributed to PPL's record company and performer members. Find out more about what happens to the licence fee.

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Charities and not-for-profit organisations

Find out how and why PPL licence certain charity and not-for-profit organisations:

I operate a charity or not-for-profit organisation – do I need a PPL licence?
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations that play recorded music at their premises will, in almost all cases, legally require a PPL licence, in just the same way as other businesses. More information about the legal requirements for a PPL licence can be found in the other sections of these FAQs.
  
  PPL has a range of licensing tariffs and policies applicable to the not-for-profit sector, to cater for the different ways in which that sector plays recorded music. We hope that this section of the FAQs will be a helpful source of information for charities and other not-for-profit organisations.
I thought the not-for-profit sector was exempt from needing a PPL licence?
- Before 1 January 2011, copyright law stated that not-for-profit organisations:
  
  • did not need a PPL licence to play the radio or TV, provided that they did not charge an admission fee; and
  • did not need a PPL licence at all if certain conditions were met relating to how those organisations conducted their activities.
  
  This meant that some, but not all, not-for-profit organisations were previously exempt from needing a PPL licence.
  
  However, these exemptions were removed following a government consultation, taking effect from 1 January 2011.
What are PPL's licensing tariffs and policies for the not-for-profit sector?
- PPL licence several different types of organisations in the not-for-profit sector:
  
  • Community buildings: PPL has operated a grace period for community buildings in 2011. From 1 January 2012, PPL and PRS for Music are operating a joint music licence for community buildings such as village halls. This is being administered by PRS for Music and full details (including prices) can be obtained by contacting PRS for Music or visiting their website.
  
  • Charity shops: PPL has operated a grace period for previously-exempt charity shops in 2011. From 1 January 2012, all charity shops will be licensed under PPL's existing Shops & Stores tariff but as a discretionary licensing policy PPL will extend the concessionary discount under that tariff to all small charity shops. This has been agreed with the Charity Retail Association (CRA) and CRA members can find more information at charityretail.org.uk.
  
  • Churches: PPL has operated a grace period for previously-exempt uses of recorded music at church premises in 2011. From 1 January 2012, a PPL licence for such uses can be obtained via Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI). Charges are based on the size of the congregation and start from as little as £21.68 for an annual licence. PPL does not charge for use of recorded music by churches during acts of divine worship or at weddings or funerals.
  
  • Not-for-profit sports clubs: PPL is currently in discussion with the Sport & Recreation Alliance with a view to launching a new joint PPL/PRS licensing arrangement for the sector in the near future. If community sports clubs have any questions as to their licensing requirements in the meantime, please contact us at info@ppluk.com.
  
  • NHS: PPL also does not charge for the use of recorded music in patient areas on NHS hospital wards, during medical treatments taking place in NHS hospitals, or domestic use in residents' areas of care homes.
  
  If your type of not-for-profit organisation is not listed here, please contact us at 020 7534 1070 for more information.

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