Do I Have To Pay PPL PRS?

A straight answer to the UK's most common music licensing question — and what it means for your business in 2026.

✓ The Short Answer: Yes — unless you use a directly licensed provider.

If your business plays music that can be heard by customers or staff, UK law requires you to be licensed under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This applies to radio, Spotify, CDs, YouTube, and any mainstream music.

There are two legal ways to comply: pay TheMusicLicence (PPL PRS), which costs hundreds of pounds per year — or use a directly licensed service like Melodial for £4.99/month, with no PPL or PRS fees at all.

Who needs a PPL PRS licence?

Any business that plays music audible to customers or employees needs to be licensed. There are no exemptions for small businesses, sole traders, or low footfall venues. The following all require a licence:

🛍️ Retail shops & boutiques
☕ Cafés & coffee shops
🍽️ Restaurants & pubs
💇 Hair & beauty salons
🏋️ Gyms & fitness studios
🏥 Medical & dental practices
🏢 Offices & co-working spaces
🏨 Hotels & hospitality venues

No exemptions for small businesses. PPL PRS actively contacts businesses across the UK. Playing unlicensed music can result in backdated charges, a 50% surcharge on your first invoice, and legal action under copyright law.

What is TheMusicLicence (PPL PRS)?

PPL and PRS for Music are two separate organisations that collect royalties on behalf of record labels, performers, songwriters, and publishers. In 2018, they joined forces to offer a single joint licence called TheMusicLicence.

TheMusicLicence covers the right to play music — but it does not include a music source. You still need to pay separately for Spotify, a radio subscription, or another streaming service on top of the licence fee. For most small businesses, that means paying twice.

Already paying for Spotify? Spotify's terms of service explicitly prohibit commercial use. A personal or business Spotify account does not replace TheMusicLicence — you still need to pay PPL PRS on top.

How much does a PPL PRS licence cost?

TheMusicLicence fees vary by business type, venue size, and how music is used. The table below shows typical costs compared to Melodial — which includes both the music and the licence in one flat monthly fee.

Business Type TheMusicLicence (per year) Melodial (per year) You Save
Small retail shop
up to 100m² 		£451+ licence only — music not included £49.99 music + licence included £401+
Café or restaurant
35 seats, background music 		£500–£700 licence only — music not included £49.99 music + licence included £450–£650
Hair or beauty salon
up to 10 chairs 		£375+ licence only — music not included £49.99 music + licence included £325+
Gym or fitness studio
recorded music, classes 		£600–£2,000 licence only — music not included £49.99 music + licence included £550–£1,950

TheMusicLicence fees based on published PPL and PRS for Music tariff schedules (2026, excl. VAT). Melodial price shown at £4.99/month (billed monthly) or £49.99/year.

How to avoid PPL PRS legally

PPL and PRS only collect royalties for music registered in their catalogues — which covers virtually all mainstream music. But if you play music that isn't registered with either organisation, you don't owe them anything.

Melodial owns or directly licences every track in its catalogue. None of our music is registered with PPL or PRS for Music. That means your Melodial subscription is your licence — no separate PPL PRS payment required.

Certificate of Compliance included. Every Melodial subscriber gets an official Certificate of Compliance — downloadable instantly from your account. If PPL PRS or any licensing inspector contacts you, show them the certificate. You're covered.

1
Subscribe to Melodial — £4.99/month or £49.99/year. No contracts, cancel anytime.
2
Play Melodial exclusively — switch off Spotify, radio, or CDs. Use our streams, playlists, or mobile app instead.
3
Cancel TheMusicLicence — download your Certificate of Compliance. You're now fully licensed without paying PPL or PRS.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PPL PRS licence if I only play music quietly in the background?
Yes. UK copyright law makes no distinction based on volume, prominence, or purpose. If music is audible to customers or staff — whether it's gentle background music or a live DJ — you need a licence. The only exception is if the music you play is not registered with PPL or PRS, such as Melodial's catalogue.
Is there a small business exemption from PPL PRS?
No. There is no exemption based on business size, number of employees, or floor space. A sole trader running a one-room salon has the same legal obligation as a large hotel chain. PPL PRS do offer tiered pricing based on size, but the requirement to be licensed applies to everyone.
What happens if I ignore PPL PRS?
PPL PRS actively visits and contacts businesses across the UK. If they find you playing unlicensed music, they can issue a backdated invoice, apply a 50% surcharge, and pursue legal action under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. It's not worth the risk — Melodial costs less than £5/month and keeps you fully compliant.
Can I use Spotify instead of getting a PPL PRS licence?
No. Spotify's terms of service explicitly prohibit use in a commercial environment. A paid Spotify account — personal or business — does not replace TheMusicLicence. You would still need to pay PPL PRS on top. Melodial replaces both your music subscription and your licence in one payment.
Can I cancel TheMusicLicence if I switch to Melodial?
Yes — as long as you play Melodial exclusively and stop playing any commercially released music (radio, Spotify, CDs, etc.). Contact PPL PRS in writing, giving at least one month's notice before your renewal date. Your Melodial Certificate of Compliance confirms you are licensed through an alternative provider.
What if PPL PRS contacts my business after I switch?
Show them your Melodial Certificate of Compliance. It confirms the music you play is fully licensed and not part of the PPL or PRS for Music repertoire. If they continue to press, email us at info@melodial.com and we'll help you respond.
Does Melodial have mainstream artists?
No — and that's exactly why you don't need TheMusicLicence. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele are registered with PPL and PRS. Melodial's catalogue is made up of independent, professionally produced tracks designed specifically for commercial environments. Great background music that creates the right atmosphere — without triggering licensing fees.

Get compliant without paying PPL PRS

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