WARNING: You could face a £19K fine AND prison time by making this one mistake
It’s estimated that over half a million businesses are infringing copyright laws across the UK each year by not paying for music licences to cover music being played on their premises.
The business experts at Bionic are warning small business owners that playing music without the correct legal permissions could actually land businesses with hefty fines and even prison sentences. The team are advising businesses to assess whether they fall short of meeting the copyright laws and to ensure that going forward if they play music on their property, they must pay for a music licence.
You could face a £19K fine AND prison time
Fine amounts and legal action for not having a music licence can vary depending on the size of the business, duration of non-compliance, and specific circumstances such as ignoring previous warnings.
In 2015 the owner of Socialite Bar in North London was fined £19,000 (£4,000 in damages and £15,000 in court fees) for not having a licence to play music but continuing to play music throughout his property. He was also warned he could also face a 28-day prison sentence if he continued to play music without the proper legal permissions.
However, a hotel in Devon was ordered to pay a significantly smaller settlement of £3,200 in fines for playing music without legal permission. Likewise, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council was fined £2,000 for not having a music licence for an event that happened on their land.
Whilst there isn’t a single fixed fine amount for not having a music licence in the UK, it’s better to be proactive and purchase your licence to avoid any penalties or criminal action so that you don’t end up facing fines you cannot afford.
Why do I need to pay to play music?
A music licence is granted by copyright holders to allow businesses to play copyrighted music publicly. Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 in the UK, you need permission from copyright holders to play their music in public, including in business settings.
When you play music in a business environment, it’s considered a “public performance” of the music. The licence ensures that copyright holders (artists, composers, record labels) are compensated for the use of their work.
Who needs a music licence?
Having a music license can apply to a wide range of businesses, including shops, salons, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
A music licence applies to all forms of playback, from CDs, radio, TV or even streaming services. To avoid legal action and fines, any businesses that play music, for customers, staff or both, should ensure they have the appropriate music licence before playing any recorded or live music in their establishments.
How much does a licence cost?
Like the disciplinary action, costs for music licence vary depending on the industry and business size. A rough guide of costs can be found below, however, for accurate costs you should contact PPL PRS for a quote.
SectorTypeAnnual CostOffice & WorkplacePlay music in an office (4 or fewer staff)£128.63Shops & StoresPlay music (audible area of 50 sqm or less)£318.93Fitness & DanceA fitness instructor holding three classes every week for 50 weeks of the year in a village hall, community centre, or other similar premises£321.00Hair & BeautyPlay music via radio (10 or fewer seats)£362.20Restaurants & CafesPlay music via a radio (up to 30 seats that is 400 sqm or less)£372.05Pubs & BarsPlay music via radio (400 sqm or less)£406.28Live MusicA pub or bar could perform live music in their premise for up to 100 people at a one off event£13.13
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