Music Knowledge
What Is a Public Performance License?
Public performance licenses explained: who needs them, how venues and businesses obtain them, and how composers get paid.
A public performance licence grants the right to play copyrighted music in public — in venues, shops, offices, radio and streaming. Businesses obtain these licences through performance rights organisations, which then pay the collected fees to songwriters and publishers.
Who needs a licence
Any business or venue that plays music publicly needs a licence: bars, restaurants, gyms, shops, offices, concert halls and radio stations.
The organisation that holds the licence (usually a PRO) charges fees based on venue size, type and music usage, then distributes income to rights holders.
How composers get paid
PROs track and sample usage to determine distributions. Composers receive payment according to how much their registered works are performed.
Registering your compositions with a PRO and keeping accurate ISWC data ensures you receive your share of public performance income.
Live venues and festivals
Venues and event organisers pay blanket licences that cover all PRO-affiliated music played live or recorded. Festivals often hold additional licensing.
As an artist performing your own songs, the venue's licence already covers the composition performance — you don't need a personal licence to play your own music.
Key Points
- Covers public playing of music
- Businesses obtain from PROs
- Fees distributed to writers
- Register works to collect income
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to play music at home?
No — private, non-commercial listening doesn't require a public performance licence.
Who enforces performance licensing?
PROs monitor public venues and can require licences. Unlicensed venues risk legal claims.
Can a songwriter perform their own song for free?
The venue still needs its licence; songwriters don't need a separate licence to perform their own works.