Do restaurants need a music licence?
A restaurant needs permission for music played publicly, but the required arrangement depends on the provider, catalogue, country, and areas where music is used.
Make the decision for the actual restaurant
A restaurant has to make music work alongside guest conversation, changing service periods, kitchen and bar noise, staff shifts, and different dining areas. The right answer therefore depends on the room, the people using it, and how long the music plays. A short preview in an empty space is not enough.
Restaurant music should match the service style and allow conversation. A casual lunch room, a quiet dining room, and a bar do not need the same energy.
Practical points to check
- Review dining rooms, bars, terraces, and waiting areas.
- Separate service rights from local obligations.
- Keep licensing evidence current.
- Check the arrangement before adding live music or other uses.
Use music intended for a business
MelloJam is a browser-based background music service for customer-facing businesses. Its catalogue is designed for low-fatigue commercial ambience, and the commercial playback rights covered by the catalogue are included with every plan.
For restaurants, start with lists such as Casual Dining and Evening Restaurant. One concurrent player costs $9 per month, and up to 10 concurrent players cost $19 per month. Local public-performance obligations can still vary by country and should be checked separately.
Explore background music for restaurants
Open the MelloJam player or compare plans.
Source on collective music rights
WIPO explains how collective management organisations license protected works and collect fees for represented rights holders. The exact system and obligations depend on the national context.
Source: WIPO: Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights