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How Much Does a PPL Licence Cost in the UK? : Free calculations

Key Takeaway

Summary:
This article breaks down how much a PPL (Public Performance Licence) can cost in the UK, explaining the factors that impact the price and providing free calculations to help you determine the exact cost based on your needs and sector.

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Are you a business owner, event organiser, or content creator wondering how much is a PPL licence UK? 

how much does a ppl licence cost

Playing music in public requires the right licensing to ensure fair compensation for artists. Understanding these costs is essential for staying compliant and supporting the music industry.

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • How PPL PRS licence cost are calculated.
  • Outline the key differences between PPL and PRS.
  • Offer cost-saving strategies for managing music licensing expenses.
  • Describe how Melody Rights can support your rights management needs as an artist.
  • The overall cost of how much does a ppl licence cost

What is PPL Licencing?

PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) ensures that performers and record labels receive compensation for public music usage. If you play recorded music at your business or event, you need to get a PPL licence. This applies to music played through speakers, TV, or radio.

PPL collects these fees and distributes them to the rightsholders, which helps sustain the music industry. Musicians, producers, and composers depend on these royalties to continue creating music.

Difference Between PPL and PRS

While both PPL and PRS for Music collect royalties for the use of music, they represent different groups:

  • PPL: Represents record labels and performers.
  • PRS for Music: Represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

In 2018, PPL PRS Ltd was created to streamline licencing, allowing businesses to obtain a single licence called TheMusicLicence. This licence covers both PPL and PRS requirements. However, PPL and PRS still set their tariffs separately so that fees may vary based on music usage.

Why PPL Licencing is Essential for UK Businesses

Public music licensing is not only a legal requirement but also shows professionalism and supports the creative community. You risk fines and legal actions if your business plays music without a PPL licence.

With TheMusicLicence, businesses access millions of tracks from UK and international artists. This licence applies to various music sources, including digital playlists, radio, and live performances. Compliance with music licencing laws helps you build client trust and enhances your reputation.

Factors Affecting PPL Licence Costs

PPL licence fees are calculated based on several factors, including:

  1. Type of Business

 The category of your business (e.g., retail shop, gym, bar) affects the licence rate.

  1. Square Footage

Larger venues tend to pay higher fees than smaller businesses. 

  1. Number of Employees

The size of your workforce affects the license fee (increased music usage with more employees).

  1. Music Usage

Different fees apply for background music and live performances. Additionally, there are separate fees for using music as a featured element, such as in a dance class.

  1. Number of Speakers

If your business plays music across multiple rooms or through a high number of speakers, this will also affect your fee.

How much is a PPL music licence?

To calculate your licence costs, PPL will ask for details such as square footage, employee count, and how music is used in your establishment. Depending on these factors, a PPL licence for a business can range from £150 to £9,000 annually.

You can check your licencing cost by selecting your business sector here. 

Here’s an idea of the costs for different businesses: 

Music Licence Cost in Public Spaces

  • Office & Workplace
    • Type: Play music in an office (4 or fewer staff)
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £128.63
    • Starts from: 36p per day
  • Shops & Stores
    • Type: Play music (audible area of 50sqm or less)
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £318.93
    • Starts from: 88p per day
  • Fitness & Dance
    • Type: Fitness instructor holding three classes every week for 50 weeks of the year
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £321.00
    • Starts from: 88p per day
  • Hair & Beauty
    • Type: Play music via radio (10 or fewer seats)
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £362.20
    • Starts from: 99p per day
  • Restaurants & Cafes
    • Type: Play music via radio (up to 30 seats that is 400sqm or less)
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £372.05
    • Starts from: £1.02 per day
  • Pubs & Bars
    • Type: Play music via radio (400 sqm or less)
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £406.28
    • Starts from: £1.11 per day
  • Live Music
    • Type: Perform live music in a pub or bar for up to 100 people at a one-off event
    • Annual Cost (+VAT): £13.66
    • Starts from: 14p per person

Disclaimer

The prices listed are subject to change based on specific circumstances or updated regulations. Always check with PPL and PRS for current pricing and licensing requirements.

Cost-Saving Strategies for PPL Licencing

To reduce music licensing costs while staying compliant, employ several strategies.

1. TheMusicLicence

By obtaining a music licence, you can cover PPL and PRS requirements in a single licence. This reduces administrative tasks and ensures you’re compliant with both organisations. While PPL and PRS set their tariffs separately, this joint licence simplifies the overall process.

2. Opt for Royalty-Free Music

For businesses looking to lower costs, royalty-free music offers a legal alternative to traditional licencing. Companies can save significant amounts annually by playing music that doesn’t require PPL or PRS royalties. High-quality, royalty-free music services offer various tracks across genres to meet multiple business needs.

Royalty-free music is not free but can cost significantly less than traditional licencing options. For instance, many businesses have reported savings of thousands of pounds by switching to royalty-free solutions. However, remember that a licence grants access to a broader repertoire, including well-known commercial songs.

3. Monthly Payment Plans

PPL PRS Ltd allows businesses to spread their licence payments across the year through a Direct Debit option. Instead of paying a large lump sum annually, you can opt for monthly instalments to ease cash flow management. However, be mindful of any extra fees that may be charged for this convenience.

4. Choose the Right Music Source

Using services like MelodyRights allows businesses to explore cost-effective licencing options, including custom licences for independent artists. Not only can this reduce costs, but it also ensures that royalties go directly to the creators.

4. Choose the Right Music Source
Selecting the appropriate music source can make a big difference in both cost and compliance. Consider using platforms that offer flexible licensing options or curated tracks from independent artists.

Custom licensing platforms are a great choice for businesses looking to support artists without dealing with traditional licensing complexities. Some services focus on independent creators, allowing you to purchase affordable licenses tailored to your specific needs. This way, you’re not only saving money but also ensuring that royalties go directly to the artists whose music you play.

An example of a custom licensing platform is Epidemic Sound, which allows businesses to license music directly from independent artists. This simplifies the process by managing both composition and recording rights, ensuring that royalties go directly to creators. 

Why paying licencing for artists is essential: 

If the tracks you use are registered with organisations like PPL, they handle the ‘backend’ of royalty distribution, making sure artists are compensated when their music is played in public spaces like shops or restaurants. This provides businesses a streamlined, compliant solution that avoids unnecessary legal headaches.

Platforms like Melody Rights offer a similar benefit, especially for independent artists. While Melody Rights itself doesn’t provide direct business licenses, it helps musicians register their work, ensuring that services like PPL properly handle royalties. By using a platform that supports artist rights, businesses can indirectly contribute to fair compensation for creators, all while exploring more flexible and affordable music options.

Royalty-Free Music vs. A Music Licence

When deciding between royalty-free music and purchasing a music licence, weighing the pros and cons is essential.

Royalty-free music is a cheaper alternative. 

A licence provides access to a much larger library of mainstream music, giving your business flexibility in its musical offerings.

A music licence is necessary if your brand relies on recognisable music to create a specific atmosphere or experience. 

Royalty-free music is great for businesses wanting affordable, high-quality tracks without expensive fees.

What You Need to Know About A Music Licence for UK Businesses

If your business plays music in public areas, whether it’s through speakers, TV, or live performances, you’ll need TheMusicLicence, managed by PPL PRS Ltd. This licence covers royalties for both performers and composers, ensuring fair compensation to artists. 

Businesses can pay for the license upfront or in monthly instalments, offering flexibility based on budget.

Although tariffs may occasionally be adjusted for factors like inflation, this doesn’t happen yearly for all business types. Also, the license automatically renews annually. If you don’t need it, you must provide written notice at least one month before renewal.

The PPL PRS website provides further details on payments and how to cancel. This helps ensure compliance with copyright law while effectively managing costs.

Conclusion: Investing in Music Licencing Compliance

Understanding the cost of a PPL licence and managing music licensing expenses is crucial for businesses playing music in public. Securing TheMusicLicence or opting for royalty-free music ensures compliance with copyright laws and supports thriving artists.

MelodyRights provides personalised rights management solutions for artists to manage their income from these sources. This ensures fair compensation for artists and allows businesses to focus on creating the perfect musical environment.

Making an informed decision about music licensing is essential when choosing a licence or exploring royalty-free options. It helps maintain a professional image and ensures legal compliance for your business.

People Also Ask:

Is PPL music free?

PPL membership is available to all music rights owners and performers at no cost. Members receive consistent royalty payouts, which include annual payments in the UK in June and quarterly international payments. PPL offers member gatherings and an online platform to manage music catalogues and track payments.

Do I need a licence to play music at a private party?

Whether you need a license to play music at a private party in the UK depends on the event’s nature. If the party is truly private and not charging admission, you generally do not need a license. For large gatherings or events in public venues, a license may be required for recorded music or live performances. Always check with the venue for their specific policies regarding music licensing.

Do I need a PPL licence to play Spotify?

Yes, you need a PPL license to play Spotify in public settings, as it involves the use of copyrighted music.

Do I need both a PPL and PRS licence?

You typically need a PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) license to play music publicly in the UK. Additionally, you need a PRS (Performing Right Society) license for public music performances. PPL licenses cover sound recordings, while PRS licenses cover musical compositions.

How much does a PPL licence cost? 

The cost of a PPL license varies depending on factors such as the type of business, the size of the establishment, and how music is used. Prices of a PPL licence start from £150. 

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