Do Indian Restaurants Need Music License? PPL, IPRS Costs & Rules
Playing Spotify or radio in your restaurant? Learn about PPL and IPRS music licenses, annual costs, and how to avoid copyright fines in India.
Quick Answer
Yes, playing music in your restaurant—whether it's background Bollywood tracks, live performances, or even a radio—legally requires licenses in India. Many restaurant owners don't realize that simply purchasing songs or streaming music doesn't cover commercial use. You need separate licenses from two organizations: PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) for sound recordings and IPRS (Indian Performing Rights Society) for musical compositions and lyrics.
License Costs & How They're Calculated
PPL charges are based on your restaurant's seating capacity and area. For a typical 50-seater restaurant, expect to pay ₹10,000-₹15,000 annually for PPL. IPRS fees are similarly structured, ranging from ₹6,000-₹12,000 per year for small to medium restaurants. Larger establishments in metros like Mumbai or Delhi pay proportionally more. Both licenses are renewed annually, and you'll need to apply separately to each organization.
Pro Tip
Running an unlicensed music setup can result in penalties up to ₹2 lakhs under the Copyright Act. Get compliant early—contact PPL (pplindiaonline.in) and IPRS (iprs.org) directly to apply based on your restaurant size.
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