How to Get a License to Play Music in Restaurants, Cafes and Hotels in India

Music creates the perfect atmosphere in restaurants, cafés, hotels, lounges and event venues. However, many business owners are unaware that playing copyrighted music in a commercial establishment requires proper authorization under Indian law. Whether you stream songs, host live performances or organize DJ nights, obtaining the right music license is essential.

This blog explains how to get a music license for restaurants, cafes and hotels in India, the types of licenses commonly required, fees involved and the application process.

Quick Summary

A music license is generally required if a restaurant, café, hotel, bar or similar commercial establishment plays copyrighted music for customers. In India, businesses commonly obtain music licenses from rights management organizations such as IPRS and PPL, depending on the rights associated with the music being used. These licenses may cover background music, recorded songs, live performances and DJ events. The requirement is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957. The time taken to obtain a license can range from a few days to a few weeks, that depends on the licensing authority and the documentation provided. Businesses that play copyrighted music without the necessary permissions may face legal notices, penalties or copyright infringement claims.

Need help with music licensing compliance? Remind Legal can guide businesses through the licensing process and copyright requirements.

Why Do Restaurants, Cafes, and Hotels Need a Music License?

Under the Copyright Act, 1957, music creators and copyright owners have exclusive rights over public performances of their work. Playing music in a commercial establishment is generally considered a public performance, even when the music is played as background entertainment.

This means that businesses may need a music copyright license in India business environments before playing copyrighted songs for customers.

Examples include: -

• Background music in restaurants
• Music in coffee shops
• Hotel lobby playlists
• Live music performances
• DJ events and parties
• Banquet and the wedding functions
• Commercial streaming services

Types of Music Licenses Required in India

Depending on how music is used, businesses may require one or more licenses.

1. IPRS License

The IPRS license for music in India is basically issued by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS). It allows authorized public performance and communication of the musical and literary works represented by the society.

Businesses playing songs in restaurants, hotels or cafés may require an IPRS license depending on the nature of music usage.

2. PPL Music License

A PPL music license typically covers the use of sound recordings represented by participating record labels. Many businesses obtain this license when playing recorded commercial music in public-facing establishments.

3. DJ and Event Licenses

If your venue hosts DJ nights, parties or special events, you may need a public performance license for DJ events in addition to any regular licenses applicable to your establishment.

Similarly, a DJ music license in India event settings may be required depending on the music being played and the rights involved.

Where Can You Apply for a Music License?

Businesses can typically apply through the official licensing platforms of the relevant rights management organizations, such as IPRS and PPL. The application process usually requires details about the establishment, the type of music usage and payment of the applicable licensing fees.

How to Apply for a Music License in India

Obtaining a music license is generally straightforward.

Step 1: Identify Music Usage

Determine that whether your business uses: -

• Background music
• Live performances
• DJ music
• Streaming services
• Event entertainment

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate License

Based on your usage, identify whether you may need: -

• IPRS License
• PPL License
• Event License
• Multiple licenses

Step 3: Submit Business Details

Licensing bodies generally require: -

• Business name
• Address
• Type of establishment
• Seating capacity
• Area of premises
• Expected music usage

Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees

After reviewing the application, the licensing authority generally calculates the applicable fee based on the nature and scale of music usage.

Step 5: Receive Approval

Upon successful verification and payment, the license is usually issued and may require the periodic renewal.

Remind Legal assists restaurants, cafés, hotels and event venues in understanding licensing obligations and maintaining compliance.

Music License Fee for Restaurants in India (2026)

The music license fee for restaurants in India 2026 may vary depending on: -

• Type of business
• Seating capacity
• Floor area
• Location
• Frequency of music use
• Live or recorded music usage

Music license fees vary based on the venue size, seating capacity, type of the music usage and the applicable tariff schedule published by the relevant licensing organization. Because tariffs can change periodically, businesses should verify the latest rates before applying.

Generally, larger venues and establishments hosting regular entertainment events may pay higher fees than small cafés using background music only.

Can You Use License-Free Music Instead?

Yes, Businesses can use license-free music or royalty-free music libraries if the licensing terms specifically permit commercial public performance.

However, using songs from streaming platforms, radio broadcasts or personal subscriptions generally does not automatically grant commercial public performance rights.

Streaming Music Legally in Business India

Many owners assume that personal music subscriptions are sufficient for commercial use.

In reality, streaming music legally in business India may require separate public performance permissions, even if the music is accessed through a legitimate streaming platform.

Businesses should carefully review the platform's terms and applicable copyright requirements before using streamed music in commercial premises.

What About YouTube Music?

Personal YouTube Music subscriptions are generally not intended for commercial public performance. Businesses should review the platform's terms of use and obtain any required public performance licenses before using streamed music in restaurants, cafés, hotels or other commercial establishments.

Businesses should also evaluate whether additional permissions are necessary depending on the source and intended use of the music.

Consequences of Playing Music Without a License

Failure to obtain the required licence to play music in public may result in: -

• Copyright infringement claims
• Legal notices
• Monetary penalties
• Business disruption
• Reputational risks

Compliance helps to reduce various legal risks while supporting the rights of music creators and the copyright owners.

Conclusion

Obtaining a music license for restaurants, cafes and hotels in India is an important compliance requirement for the businesses that use copyrighted music. Whether you operate a café, restaurant, hotel, banquet hall or event venue, securing the appropriate permissions can help reduce legal risks and support the rights of creators and copyright owners.

If you are unsure which licenses may apply to your business, Remind Legal can help you understand the requirements and navigate the licensing process more efficiently. 

FAQs

1. Can we play music in a restaurant?
   Yes. Restaurants can play music for customers, but the use of copyrighted music generally requires appropriate public performance permissions and licenses, depending on the circumstances.

2. Can I play music in my coffee shop?
   Yes. However, if copyrighted songs are played for customers, the coffee shop may need applicable music licenses depending on the source and type of music being used.

3. What is the music license for hotels?
   Hotels may require licenses covering background music, public performances, events, DJs and live entertainment. The exact requirements depend on how music is used throughout the property.

4. What is an IPRS license and how to apply in India?
   An IPRS license authorizes the public performance and communication of copyrighted musical and literary works represented by IPRS. Businesses can normally apply through the official IPRS licensing platform by providing the establishment details, music usage information and paying the applicable fee.

5. How long does a music license take in India?
   The timeline varies depending on the licensing authority, application type and completeness and accuracy of the documentation. In many cases, licenses can be processed within a few days to a few weeks.