PRS — PRS for Music

PRS for Music (PRS) is a performing rights organisation in united kingdom. Businesses playing music publicly must hold a licence from PRS. Track Studios' AI catalog is not registered with PRS — venues using Track Studios are not invoiced.

Overview

PRS for Music (PRS) is a performing rights organisation that licenses the public performance of musical compositions (melodies and lyrics). Founded in 1914, it operates in united kingdom and manages licensing for businesses that play music publicly.

Founded: 1914
Type: Performing rights (compositions)
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.prsformusic.com

Combined Licence: TheMusicLicence

PRS and PPL offer the TheMusicLicence as a single combined licence. Apply for TheMusicLicence.

How PRS Fees Are Calculated

PRS uses tariff codes to calculate fees by venue type. Examples: Restaurant (TheMusicLicence): approximately GBP 245–320/year; Retail Store (TheMusicLicence (Retail)): approximately GBP 245–400/year; Gym (TheMusicLicence (Fitness)): approximately GBP 360–520/year. Fees are typically calculated on the basis of seats.

Venue Type	Tariff Code	Basis	Typical Annual Cost
Restaurant	`TheMusicLicence`	seats	GBP 245–320/year
Retail Store	`TheMusicLicence (Retail)`	area	GBP 245–400/year
Gym	`TheMusicLicence (Fitness)`	seats	GBP 360–520/year

Apply for PRS licence

How to Avoid PRS Fees

Businesses can avoid PRS fees by using music that is not registered with PRS. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with PRS or ppl — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.

Start free trial — no PRS invoices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PRS for Music (PRS)?: PRS for Music (PRS) is a performing rights organisation based in united kingdom. Founded in 1914, it collects fees from businesses that play copyrighted music compositions publicly and distributes them to rights holders.
Does my business need an PRS licence?: If your business plays commercially released music in a public-facing space — restaurant, shop, gym, hotel lobby, etc. — you are legally required to hold an PRS licence (and a separate licence from ppl). Using Track Studios' included AI catalog exempts you from PRS licensing for that music.
How does PRS calculate its fees?: PRS calculates fees based on factors including venue size, number of seats, or annual turnover depending on the venue type. Contact PRS directly for a quote.
Can I avoid PRS fees legally?: Businesses can avoid PRS fees by using music that is not registered with PRS. Track Studios uses an AI-generated catalog that is not registered with PRS or ppl — venues using the included catalog are not invoiced.
What happens if my business plays music without an PRS licence?: PRS can issue a civil claim for back-fees covering the period of unlicensed use, plus additional damages. PRS employs field inspectors who visit businesses unannounced to verify compliance.