A guide to licences

Providing entertainment can be an easy and rewarding way to increase your sales and build a good customer base but there are things that you will need to consider first. 

If you want to take advantage of all the benefits music can bring, you first need to obtain the right licences.  Detailed below is some information about the different licensing bodies and what their licences cover:

Performing Right Society (PRS) Licence

When music is played in public the owner of the copyright is entitled, by law, to payment from the music user.  The Performing Right Society is an organisation that collects and distributes this money (known as 'royalties') to its members - the owner of the copyright (usually the composer or their publisher).

A PRS licence is required for the live performance or public playing of copyright music by any means.  This includes jukeboxes, CDs, video, radio, TV or live bands and discos.

Call 0800 068 4828 and we will provide you with a quote or supply you with a PRS Music Licence in a matter of minutes!

Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL)

A PPL licence is needed for the public playing of original sound recordings; e.g. CDs, tapes or records, including jukeboxes and background music systems and (since there was a change in the law from 31st October 2003) by means of radio or TV in the vast majority of cases.  PPL represent the record companies who own the copyright in the recording.  In most circumstances when background music is provided, both PRS and PPL licences are required. Contact PPL on 020 7534 1000.

Video Performance Ltd (VPL)

A VPL licence is needed for the public playing of music videos.  VPL represent the companies who own the 'film' copyright in the music videos themselves. Contact VPL on 020 7534 1000.

Local Licensing Authority 

In England and Wales the Licensing Act 2003 unified the previously long established methods of licensing the sale and supply of alcohol and the provision of public entertainment.  Please consult your local licensing authority for further information about a Premises Licence, Personal Licence, Club Premises Certificate or Temporary Event Notice.   

Much guidance can be gathered from the website of the Department for Culture Media and Sport (see under Creative Industries, then Alcohol and Entertainment):

www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Alcohol_entertainment 

as well as your own local authority’s website in regard to Licensing.

The Public Video Screening Licence - PVSL (Filmbank Distributors)

A licence is legally required for all film screenings outside the cinema and home. The Public Video Screening Licence from Filmbank Distributors is an annual licence entitling holders to screen unlimited films throughout the year to non-paying audience. Commercial screening licences to a paid audience are also available. Contact Filmbank on 020 7984 5957

At-a-glance guide to licences

Notes:

N.B If you live in Scotland please contact your local authority for licences needed.

* PPL charges are sometimes included in rental charges by jukebox or music suppliers check with your agent for details.

O - Please check with PPL.

** The Licensing Act 2003 means that local authorities will eventually be issuing new types of licence (England & Wales).

*** This licence is not required by all authorities.