Playing Music in Your Shop: Do You Need a Licence?
Radio, a playlist or a streaming account in the background can all count as playing music in public. Here is what the official guidance says.
Many shopkeepers switch on the radio or a playlist without a second thought. The music helps the day along, and customers often like it. But playing music in a business can count as playing it in public, and that usually needs a licence. This guide sets out the main points from GOV.UK and PPL PRS in plain English.
What GOV.UK says
GOV.UK says you usually need a licence to play recorded music in public or at your business, including background music from a CD, the radio or a music channel. It explains that you now need a single licence from PPL PRS, called TheMusicLicence, rather than separate licences from PRS and PPL.
Does that include radio?
Background radio is listed within that wording. PPL PRS says shops will usually need a music licence, and that music played for staff also counts as a public performance. Its shops page treats traditional broadcast radio, meaning BBC and listed Ofcom-licensed stations on AM and FM, separately from other sources. It adds that internet-only radio stations and personal streaming services do not qualify as traditional broadcast.
What about streaming?
PPL PRS says streaming may require a commercial streaming service, and advises checking that the platform allows commercial use before you play music in your business. A personal account is not automatically suitable for a shop. Read the terms of any service you use, and ask the provider if the wording is unclear.
What does TheMusicLicence cover?
According to PPL PRS, TheMusicLicence is a single licence from PPL PRS Ltd, which is owned equally by PPL and PRS for Music. It gives permission to play music for customers and staff through radio, TV, other digital devices and live performances, covering the vast majority of commercially available music.
Are there exceptions?
GOV.UK notes that you do not need a licence for royalty-free music. If the music is not managed by PPL PRS, you may need a licence from another licensing body. The GOV.UK page does not name any others, so ask the source of the music if you are unsure.
What if you do not have one?
GOV.UK warns that playing music in public without a licence is copyright infringement, and that you could be sued for damages.
What does it cost?
Both sources say the cost depends on your premises and how the music is used, for example background music or music on hold. PPL PRS suggests having details ready for a quote, including the areas where music can be heard and their size in square metres. We have not quoted a price here, because it varies.
A quick checklist for shopkeepers
- List every way music is played: radio, playlists, TV, music on hold, live performers.
- Check whether the source is royalty-free or covered by PPL PRS.
- Check that any streaming service you use allows commercial use.
- Measure the areas where music is audible, ready for a quote.
- Ask PPL PRS directly if your situation is unusual.
This article is general information based on GOV.UK and PPL PRS pages read on 20 October 2026. It is not legal advice. For a definitive answer about your own shop, contact PPL PRS.
In ZRKEE's seven areas
Music licensing rules are national, but you apply them on your own premises. If your shop is in one of ZRKEE's seven areas, your council's licensing pages are the place to check any local premises requirements alongside the licences described above.
ZRKEE currently lists verified independent businesses in Birmingham (36), Thurrock (31), Nottingham (29), Slough (26), Woking (26), Northamptonshire (23) and Croydon (22). Choose your area in the app to see who is trading near you.