Many think that the use of music as décor and as part of the ambiance of their helps with the enjoyment of their customers. For instance, dining in a fine dining restaurant often offers the pleasantries of background jazz music. Or maybe while sitting in a hip café, you’d enjoy some upbeat pop music. Music can influence the behavior and satisfaction of customers. However, it is important to know that playing music publicly within a commercial business is not simply just plugging in your phonograph system. To be compliant with the law and avoid paying fines and penalties, you will need to obtain a music play license.
In this blog, VrinLegal, one of the well-known legal services firms in Faridabad, will precisely explain how to get the music license for your business. Whether you are a new café owner or restaurateur looking to do it right and regularize your business, this blog will help you, and guide you through the steps to take, what the legal obligations are, and how to get a legal professional to assist you – maybe even pro bono legal consultation near you.
- Introduction: Why licensing music matters
Music in restaurants or cafes is much more than entertainment; it is an important part of the way you interact with your customers. But playing copyrighted music without the proper authorization and licenses could lead to challenges.
Under the Indian Copyright Act, if you play music in public without the proper license, then you will also be infringing copyright, and could face legal proceedings, penalties, and being forced to stop operations.
VrinLegal, a credible legal service provider in Faridabad, offers information that could help you ensure you are legally compliant with copyright rules and regulations, so you do not have issues with your establishment. Let the lawyers at VrinLegal assist you with obtaining a music license and the laws associated with public performance of music.
What Is a Music Play License?
A music play license (also known as a public performance license) is a way of legally asking for permission to use copyrighted music in public spaces (typically referring to things you may commonly see in cafes or restaurants).
In the context of commerce, music is a performance. Consequently, using music without a license infringes the rights of the composer, lyricist, and performer.
Legal Framework Establishing Music Licensing in India
In India, music licensing is governed by section 51(b) of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957. The Copyright Act gives authors, composers and performers the exclusive rights to use such works, and asserts that licensing of music can only be done through collection societies.
The relevant sections include:
Section 13 – Deals with types of works subject to copyright protection
Section 14 – Describes rights that copyright holders have
Legally, when you use music in a public area , you must obtain permission from any copyright owner or authorized representative/licensee.
Who Needs a Music License?
You need a music license if your restaurant, café, or food business:
Plays music through speakers (live or recorded)
Streams music via TV or radio
Has live performances
Holds karaoke nights or DJ events
Regardless of if it is background music or a full production, using any copyrighted music for public entertainment needs authorization.
Even if you’ve paid for a song or pay for a Spotify or Apple Music account, the licensing is for personal use (i.e., listening while driving) and not for public performance.
Types of Music Licenses in India
Depending on how you are utilizing the music, there are various types of licenses that you could be required to obtain:
a. Public Performance License
Needed for playing music in a public place.
b. Background Music License
More specifically for cafes, restaurants, and malls, restaurants, for background or ambient music.
c. Event License
For live shows, DJ nights, and Karaoke Night.
d. Jukebox License
If you are hosting coin-operated or digital jukeboxes on your property.
e. Synchronization License
If you plan on using music synced with a video or advertisements inside your property.
How you go about understanding which license you will need will depend on your business model. If you are not completely sure, you can get legal advice from a lawyer at VrinLegal.
6.How to Acquire a Music License for a Restaurant or Café
To apply for a music license you need to be clear on how you’re using music in your business, then, apply to the right licensing body. In India, there are predominantly three organizations that handle licensing for music:
IPRS – Indian Performing Rights Society
PPL – Phonographic Performance Ltd.
Novex Communications Pvt Ltd.
They manage different rights (composition v recording). In almost all cases, you will require a licence from both IPRS and PPL/Novex.
Music licensing authorities in India
Next, we are going to take a closer look at the three prominent licensing authorities:
IPRS (Indian Performing Rights Society)
Deals with the works and lyrics of music.
Mandatories of live Music or Events.
PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited)
Covers recorded sound/music.
PPL covers playing recorded music through a speaker or TV, or radio.
Novex Communications
Rights for specific music labels, such as Zee Music, YRF Music, etc.
If you use any of their content, you might need separate licensing.
The Step-by-Step Process to obtaining a license
Follow the steps to get your music license for your café or restaurant.
1: Confirm the Intended Use of Music
Understand how you’ve been using music in your business — Background music, DJ events, live music Events, etc.
2: Get in touch with licensing bodies
Contact PPL and IPRS, or check their website.
3: Apply for the license
Fill in the application by giving all the requested business details, such as the size of your venue, type of music, duration, and many others.
Fees will differ based on your usage.
4: Get Approved
After you finish your payment and verify your documents, your license will be delivered to you.
To help you avoid any snagging points, VrinLegal will be there to assist as your experts. If this is a financial concern, we give you resources for pro bono legal consultation in your area, subject to qualifications.
Documents Required ( cafe or restaurant )
Here is a list of documentation that you will likely require:
A business registration certificate
Your GST registration
Proof of address for the restaurant/café
PAN and Aadhaar card of proprietor/partner
Seating capacity.
NOC from the premises owner (if rented)
Need assistance in terms of documentation? Reach out to our lawyers for legal advice.
Music License costs
The cost of music licenses can be different based on:
Seating capacity.
Urban or rural location.
When we think about music use, we think about
music use duration (monthly, yearly)
the approximate range:
IPRS licence – ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per annum
PPL licence – ₹7,000 – ₹50,000 per annum
So, if you want accurate pricing and do not want to get charged more, we recommend you take advise from VrinLegal’s legal and consulting service based in Faridabad.
Non-Compliance Penalties ( cafe or restaurant )
Serious non-compliance can have serious consequences.
Here are some examples of potential consequences of operating without valid music use licence;
Legal notices, statutory notices
Fines from ₹50,000 upwards to several lakhs
Seizures of equipment
Legal action could be initiated against you from copyright owners
There are multiple decisions from courts that follow the copyright holders. Ignorance is no defence in a court of law; it is better to speak to a lawyer about any legal implications from playing music in your business rather than risk the penalties.
How VrinLegal can help ( cafe or restaurant )
VrinLegal is a major legal service provider based in Faridabad. Whether you have a newly opened or an established chain, we will keep you compliant.
Our Service:-
Offerings include
Music licensing advice
Application lodging with PPL, IPRS, Novex
Completing documentation
Representing you in legal matters
Negotiating royalties
Pro bono consultation for eligible startups and small business owners
If you are looking for ‘pro bono consultation near me,’ VrinLegal may be your answer. We are committed to helping new businesses and community entrepreneurs get access to legal resources.
FAQs About Music Licensing ( cafe or restaurant )
Can I play music from my personal Spotify or YouTube account?
No. Personal use accounts on these platforms do not permit licenses for public use.
What about royalty-free music?
Typically, royalty-free music does not require ongoing licenses, but check the use terms.
Do I need a license for live music?
Yes, an IPRS license will be needed for any live music.
How often do I need to renew my music license?
Most licenses are year-long and need to be renewed.
Can I apply for a license online?
Yes, several licensing bodies like PPL and IPRS have online processes.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Operating a restaurant or café requires much more than just food and decor; it requires a legal framework for your business to succeed. One of the many mistakes found in the hospitality industry is playing music without a proper license.
At VrinLegal, we blend sheer experience with a practical nature to offer full legal services in Faridabad and beyond. Whether you need a reputable attorney for legal advice or you require a pro bono legal consultation, our lawyers are here for you every step of the way.
Call us or visit our site to book a pro bono legal consultation or book a full-service licensing support package.