Home / Setting the scene: do hospitality businesses need a music licence?
18th August 2026
Susan Honeyands, Partner
Music is often an important part of the guest or customer experience in the leisure and hospitality sector.
Whether it is background music in a hotel reception, a playlist in a bar or restaurant, live entertainment in a pub, or a DJ at a private function, hospitality businesses should ensure they have the necessary licences in place before music is played in public.
Recent reports suggest that the overall experience is often a key factor influencing where customers choose to dine or stay. Music plays a significant part in shaping that experience, helping to set the atmosphere, reinforce a venue’s brand identity, and make a visit feel more memorable.
Many operators are surprised to learn that simply playing music from a radio, television, streaming service or personal device may require a licence. This is because, in the UK, playing copyright-protected music in public will usually require permission from the relevant rights holders.
Businesses that play music for customers, guests or staff without that permission risk infringing copyright and may face enforcement action.
For most hospitality and leisure venues, the relevant permission is usually TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS, which covers the public use of recorded music and, in many cases, music played through radios, televisions, streaming services and other devices.
The requirement is not limited to music venues. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, visitor attractions, gyms and leisure facilities will usually need a licence where music is played in customer areas, staff areas or guest bedrooms. The cost of the licence will depend on the type and size of the premises and how the music is used.
Businesses hosting live music should also check whether any additional permissions are required under their premises licence. While many venues benefit from exemptions for some small-scale live music events, operators should not assume that every performance is automatically permitted. Licensing conditions, capacity limits and event-specific requirements should always be reviewed.
In summary, music can add real value to the customer experience, but it also brings licensing responsibilities that should not be overlooked. Before music is played, hospitality and leisure operators should check how music is used across their premises, confirm whether TheMusicLicence or any premises licence permissions are required, and address any gaps.
Taking these steps early can help avoid enforcement action, reduce the risk of disputes and ensure that all creators and performers whose music supports the atmosphere of the venue are properly recognised and rewarded.
Contact our commercial team for advice on maintaining compliance when opening, operating or growing a hospitality or leisure business on 0161 832 3434, or at [email protected].