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Playing Music in your Business: What you need to know
Playing music in your business can enhance the atmosphere for both your customers and staff. However, it’s important to ensure you’re doing it legally — and fairly.
Why You Need a Licence
Most music is protected by copyright, meaning you need permission to play it in a commercial setting. Simply purchasing a CD, using a streaming service, or tuning in to the radio doesn’t grant you the right to play that music in your business.
A music licence ensures:
- You comply with the law
- Music creators are properly paid for their work
- You avoid potential legal issues or fines
When a Licence Is Required
You’ll need a licence to play copyrighted music in almost any commercial or public environment, including:
- Pubs, bars, and nightclubs
- Cafés and restaurants
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Hair and beauty salons
- Retail shops and shopping centres
- Factories, warehouses, and workshops
This applies regardless of how the music is played — whether it’s through:
- Streaming platforms (like Spotify or Apple Music)
- CDs, records, or digital downloads
- Radio or television
- Live performances and DJs
Are There Exceptions?
Some music isn’t protected by copyright — such as recordings released over 70 years ago — and may be used without a licence. However, most modern music remains under copyright protection.
How to Get a Music Licence
While you could contact individual copyright holders for every song, the easiest and most common solution is to use a copyright collecting society.
In Australia, the two main collecting societies are:
- APRA AMCOS – Covers songwriters, composers, and music publishers
- PPCA – Represents recording artists and record labels
Together, they operate a service called OneMusic, which offers a single licence that covers the vast majority of commercially released music.
The cost of a licence through OneMusic varies based on your industry, business size, and how you intend to use the music.
Get the Right Licence for Your Business
Visit the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find the licences and permits relevant to your business.
Next Steps:
Want to learn more about copyright and how it applies to your business? Explore more about copyright laws here.