Shops and stores

If you use music in your business for the benefit of staff or customers, you need permission from the music’s copyright owners. It’s the law. But don’t worry, to get permission you simply need a licence from PRS for Music* (and in most cases, one from PPL** too).

How much does it cost? 

A number of factors determine how much businesses pay – these include the size of the shop where you play background music and whether you use music in other ways, such as playing music on hold to callers.

Call 0800 068 4828 to speak to our licensing team for a bespoke quote or to find out more. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

See our Shops and stores tariff
See our Music on hold tariff
See our Music in the workplace tariff 

There are limited circumstances where, at our discretion, we choose not to make a charge for our licence. See our discretionary charging policy for:

Working order checks
Computer games music in shops and stores

If you think you might not need to pay, please still contact us to ensure that you are covered by the policy.

How does music benefit my business?

According to MusicWorks research, 90 percent of people would select a shop that was playing music over one that was not.

Find out more about how music at work benefits your business

*PRS for Music licences cover the majority of music originating from the UK and all over the world. However, if you play music outside of PRS for Music’s control, you may need an additional licence from the relevant copyright owner(s). You will also require a TV licence if you are using a TV in your premises. In the unlikely event that all the music you play is out of copyright or is not controlled by PRS for Music, you do not need a PRS for Music licence.
**PPL collects and distributes royalties on behalf of record companies and performers. Further info at ppluk.com. All music licences are required under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. It stipulates you must gain the permission of the copyright owner if you play music in public (anywhere outside the home environment).