Playing recorded music in public places such as restaurants, hotels, gyms, malls and events is a public performance under the Copyright Act, 1957 and generally needs permission from the copyright owners of both the underlying songs (lyrics and compositions) and the sound recordings, usually through licences from authorised societies or licensing bodies representing them.
Two layers of rights
- Musical and literary works: composers and lyricists
- Sound recordings: record labels
Who needs a licence
- Restaurants, bars and cafes
- Hotels and banquet halls
- Gyms, salons and retail stores
- Event organisers
How to license
- Identify music sources and repertoire.
- Obtain licences from the relevant societies or rights holders.
- Pay tariffs based on venue type and size.
- Keep licences available for inspection.
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Get expert help →Risks
Unlicensed use can lead to injunctions, damages and police complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Is streaming app subscription enough?
Personal streaming subscriptions do not cover public performance in businesses.
Do weddings need music licences?
The Copyright Act has an exception for performances in the course of religious ceremonies including marriage processions; commercial events generally need licences.
Is live band performance covered?
Live covers still use underlying songs, needing licences for musical works.
Are there royalty-free options?
Yes, licensed background music services can bundle rights.
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