PRS and PPL Licence Explained for UK Business Owners
If you have ever received a letter from "PPL PRS Ltd" demanding money, your first reaction was probably confusion.
"I thought I already paid for a music licence?" "Why are there two names?" "Is this a scam?"
It's not a scam. It's just complicated.
Here is the plain English explanation of the UK's music licensing system that no one ever bothers to give you. (If you're wondering whether your business is at risk, start with our guide: Can I Play Spotify in My Salon?)
Two Halves of a Song
To understand the bill, you have to understand copyright. Every piece of recorded music has two separate copyrights:
-
The Musical Work: The lyrics, the melody, and the composition.
- Examples: Ed Sheeran writing the chords. Elton John writing the tune.
- Who represents them? PRS for Music (Performing Right Society).
-
The Sound Recording: The actual audio file you hear. The performance by the band, the production by the studio.
- Examples: The record label (Sony/Warner) and the session musicians.
- Who represents them? PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited).
When you play a track on the radio or Spotify, you are "using" both copyrights. You are using the melody (PRS) and the recording (PPL).
So, legally, you have to pay both of them.
Enter "TheMusicLicence"
For decades, business owners had to deal with two separate organisations, two separate bills, and two separate renewal dates. It was a nightmare.
A few years ago, they formed a joint venture called PPL PRS Ltd.
They now issue a single invoice called TheMusicLicence.
Does this mean it's cheaper? No. It just means the bill is combined. You are still paying for both the PRS tariff and the PPL tariff.
Key takeaway: If you play commercial music (radio, TV, CDs, streaming), you need TheMusicLicence. It is not optional.
What Does It Cost?
The cost depends on your "audible area" (square footage) and your business type.
For a standard small business (like a hairdresser or cafe):
- PRS Tariff: ~£150 - £200 per year
- PPL Tariff: ~£130 - £180 per year
- Total: ~£300 - £400 per year + VAT.
This gives you the legal right to play copyrighted music to the public.
What Happens if I Don't Pay?
If you play commercial music without a licence, you are infringing copyright.
PPL PRS has a team of enforcement officers. They visit premises, check social media evidence, and issue bills for backdated usage.
Because copyright infringement is a legal matter, they can (and do) take businesses to court to recover:
- Unpaid fees (backdated up to 6 years).
- Damages (often 50% on top).
- Legal costs (which can be thousands). Read more in UK music licence fines: what actually happens.
Want to skip the complexity? Try Sonosfera free for 14 days — £14.99/month, all licensing included.
How to Avoid Paying PPL and PRS
You have two choices:
- Play Silence: Costs £0.
- Play Royalty-Free / Direct-Licensed Music: Use a service like Sonosfera.
Sonosfera works directly with independent artists. We effectively act as the "record label" and the "publisher."
When you subscribe to Sonosfera (£14.99/mo), you are paying for the licence directly to us. Because we own the rights, we grant you the permission to play the music. It's much cheaper than TheMusicLicence and far simpler.
You do not need PRS. You do not need PPL. You do not need TheMusicLicence.
You just need our certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I only play the radio. Do I need PPL and PRS? A: Yes. A broadcast on the radio is still a "public performance" of the music. You need a licence to re-broadcast that copyright to your customers. (Note: This is separate from your BBC TV Licence).
Q: I have a Spotify subscription. Does that cover me? A: No. Spotify is for "personal use only." It does not include PPL or PRS commercial rights.
Q: What is the difference between "Royalty Free" and "Copyright Free"? A: "Copyright Free" means the music is in the public domain (like Mozart). "Royalty Free" usually means you pay one upfront fee (or a subscription) instead of paying per-play royalties to a collecting society. Sonosfera falls into the "Direct Licensing" category, which is the safest for businesses.
Related Reading
- What happens if you play music without a licence?
- How much does a music licence cost for a small business?
- Music licensing for dentists, vets and medical practices
- Royalty-free vs licensed music: which do you need?
Stop paying double. Start saving. Get your direct licence with Sonosfera. No PPL. No PRS. Just great music.
