UK Music and TV Licensing Requirements for Tourism Businesses (2025 Update)

🎵 TheMusicLicence – For Playing Music

In the UK, playing music in a public or business setting (whether live or recorded) usually requires TheMusicLicence, issued by PPL PRS Ltd. This applies even if you’re using:

• A radio or TV with music playing
• Spotify, YouTube or another streaming service
• A CD or playlist on a speaker
• Live performances (e.g. a singer or guitarist)

What does it cover?

TheMusicLicence pays royalties to the artists, songwriters and producers of the music you play. It covers both recorded and live music in business or public settings.

Common uses that require a licence:

• Radio playing in a B&B dining room
• Spotify on in a guest lounge
• A Smart TV with music channels
• A live band performing in a pub or café
  
  

Can I use Spotify or YouTube for business?

No – consumer streaming services like Spotify and YouTube don’t allow business use in their terms and conditions. Even with TheMusicLicence, you must use a platform that allows commercial use (like Soundtrack Your Brand or a licensed background music service).

🛌 Exemptions for Small Accommodation Providers

Good news for small businesses – if you run a small B&B or holiday cottage, you may not need TheMusicLicence.

You are currently exempt if:

• You operate 3 or fewer guest bedrooms or self-catering units
• The business is your only holiday let or accommodation business
• Only guests and owners use the space (not the general public)

This means most micro-businesses with a small number of cottages or rooms may not need a music licence. It’s always best to check your eligibility with PPL PRS Ltd, but this exemption applies to the majority of MWT Cymru’s members.

📺 TV Licensing – For Showing Live TV or iPlayer

If your business provides access to live TV or BBC iPlayer, you’ll also need a TV Licence. This is separate from TheMusicLicence and is a legal requirement under UK broadcasting law.
You need a TV licence if guests or staff:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel
• Stream live sport or news via the internet
• Use BBC iPlayer to stream or download content

Even if the sound is off, if the programme is shown live, a licence is still needed.

What doesn’t need a licence?

You don’t need a TV licence for:

• Watching on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+
• Pre-recorded DVDs used privately (with correct copyright permissions)

TV Licence for Accommodation Providers:

There is a Hotel and Mobile Units TV Licence for covering up to 15 rooms or units on a single site. You’ll need one of these licences per location.

🎬 Films and DVDs

Showing films or TV shows in public areas (e.g. lounges, waiting rooms) – even via DVD – may require an additional licence from:

• MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Company)
• Filmbankmedia

These cover the copyright of the film itself – not how it’s broadcast.

✅ Summary: Do You Need These Licences?

📎 Useful Links

• PPL PRS – TheMusicLicence
• TV Licensing for Businesses
• MPLC (film licensing)
• Filmbankmedia

Need Support? We're here to help.
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