Playing music in a workplace or venue

If you want to play recorded music or music videos for your colleagues or customers in a workplace or venue (such as a shop, a bar, or a nightclub) you will usually need a licence.

Whether you are using music supplied by a PPL licensed music provider, playing the radio, have the TV on in the background, or are playing music through another device, you will need a licence. You will also need a licence if you use recorded music in other ways such as in DJ sets or pop quizzes.

This is a public performance Licence and it’s administered by PPL PRS. It’s called TheMusicLicence.

Visit the PPL PRS dedicated site and select your sector. You’ll find the information you need and be able to apply for your licence.

PPL PRS Ltd

Previously, you would have needed two public performance licences: one from us representing performers and record companies, and the other from PRS, representing songwriters, composers and publishers. The two organisations have streamlined the process with one licence to make it much easier for you to manage.

Visit the PPL PRS website.

PPL tariff consultations

Whilst PPL’s public performance licensing is now administered by PPL PRS, PPL continues to set and manage its own tariffs (and PRS continues to set and manage its own tariffs). As part of the process of independently reviewing its tariffs, PPL undertakes public consultations to consult with licensees and potential licensees to seek their views on potential changes to existing tariffs and/or the scope of any new tariffs.

PPL is currently consulting on potential changes to its licensing of Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) events. Read details on the consultation, including how to respond, here.

Music Services

If you are planning to source playlists of commercial music from PPL-licensed suppliers for use in your business, you can check out our directory of suppliers who are licensed by us to copy and supply music. Search the directory here.

If you are the provider of music services, such as background music to businesses like shops and bars, find out more about the licence you will almost certainly need from PPL. 

PPL
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