By Sonosfera Team
Yes: a UK business can play background music without TheMusicLicence if it plays only a catalogue that is outside the PPL and PRS repertoire, and Sonosfera is one such service at £14.99 a month per zone (£149.90 a year).
Information notice: This is general information, not legal advice. Official sources and competitor pages below were checked on 26 October 2026. If you spot an error, use the contact page.
Why this works
PRS for Music says you may not need a licence if "all the music you use is out of copyright or outside the repertoire we represent".
The catch: it only covers that catalogue. If the radio, TV, Spotify or a DJ plays anything else, you still need TheMusicLicence.
If PPL or PRS writes to the business, the practical next step is in PPL PRS contacted my business. You can also run the music licence cost calculator before comparing a quote with a subscription.
What TheMusicLicence costs
PPL PRS's own cost examples, updated February 2026 (annual, plus VAT): a restaurant or cafe playing music via radio, up to 30 seats and 400 sqm or less, £400.81; a pub or bar playing music via radio, 400 sqm or less, £364.62; hair and beauty playing music via radio, 5 or fewer seats, £238.33. Source: PPL PRS music licence cost.
The options (UK, one location)
- Sonosfera: £14.99 a month per zone, or £149.90 a year (£12.49 a month). Sonosfera says its catalogue is owned outright and not registered with PPL PRS. Each paid account gets a Music Use Certificate, and Sonosfera explains its catalogue to the society if you get a letter. Venue playlists, daypart scheduling, phone control. See UK pricing.
- Melodial: from £4.99 a month. Its site says "licensed, on-brand music with no PPL PRS fees" for playback of only its catalogue. Melodial.
- AdioStream: £9.99 a month per zone. Its site says "no separate PPL/PRS licence needed for that playback" when you play only its own catalogue. AdioStream.
- Audiimax: from £14.99 a month; its site says "no separate music licence is required" when you play only its catalogue. Audiimax. See the UK comparison.
- SIBEE: £140 a year or £14 a month. Its site says "Play music from real artists in your business without paying PRS or PPL fees". SIBEE.
- Background Sounds: £15 + VAT a month or £150 + VAT a year. Background Sounds.
Sonosfera is not the cheapest. Pick it if you want daypart scheduling, multi-zone control from your phone, and a provider that deals with the society letter for you. The wider UK set is on Compare UK music services.
Who should keep TheMusicLicence
If you need chart hits, specific artists, live music, DJs or TV sport, keep TheMusicLicence.
FAQ
Is PPL PRS a legal requirement?
UK copyright law requires permission to play music in public, and for mainstream music that usually means TheMusicLicence. PRS says you may not need its licence for music outside its repertoire.
Do I need TheMusicLicence if I use Sonosfera?
Sonosfera says not for Sonosfera catalogue playback under an active plan. Anything else you play still needs it.
Can I mix Sonosfera with the radio?
Yes, but the radio still needs TheMusicLicence.
What proof do I get?
A Music Use Certificate for your paid term.
How much is Sonosfera?
£14.99 a month per zone, or £149.90 a year.
Try it
Start your Sonosfera trial and play music in your venue from Sonosfera's own catalogue.
Sources
- PRS for Music: get a music licence, checked 26 October 2026
- PPL PRS: music licence cost, cost examples updated February 2026
- Melodial UK, AdioStream, Audiimax, SIBEE, Background Sounds
