Why You Need a Commercial Licence for Karaoke Events
Karaoke nights can be the heartbeat of a buzzing bar, the secret ingredient to a lively pub, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for a venue looking to keep customers entertained and engaged. But before you roll out the mic and let your patrons belt out their best rendition of "Someone Like You," there’s one crucial thing to get in order: the right commercial karaoke licence.
Many business owners mistakenly assume that a home karaoke kit will do the job. After all, if it works in a living room, why not in a bar? But just like you can’t stream live football using a personal Sky subscription in a pub, you can’t run a karaoke event using personal-use equipment and expect to stay on the right side of the law. If you’re playing karaoke tracks in a commercial setting without the correct licence, you could be hit with legal action, fines, and a major headache that could have been easily avoided.
The Legal Beat: Why a Karaoke Licence is Essential
Music is protected by copyright, which means that playing most audio tracks in public requires permission from the rights holders. This applies to both background music and karaoke events. In the UK, PPL PRS Ltd manages these licences through TheMusicLicence, which covers the use of recorded and live music in public venues, including bars, pubs, restaurants, and entertainment spaces.
Running a karaoke night without a commercial licence is a direct copyright infringement. It’s the equivalent of running a club night with pirated music—something no serious business would risk. Just as you need permission to screen movies or live sporting events, you need the right licence to play karaoke tracks legally.
What Happens If You Skip the Licence?
If you’re tempted to wing it without the correct licensing, you might want to reconsider. Operating karaoke events without the necessary permissions can lead to:
Legal Action – PPL PRS Ltd actively pursues venues that play music without the proper licences. If caught, you could be taken to court and forced to pay damages.
Financial Penalties – Fines for playing music without a licence can add up quickly. What might have seemed like a cost-saving shortcut could end up costing thousands in legal fees and penalties.
Reputational Damage – Nobody wants to be known as the business that cuts corners, especially when it comes to something as high-profile as entertainment. Customers value quality and professionalism, and staying compliant is part of running a reputable business.
Home Karaoke Kits vs. Commercial Karaoke License
It’s easy to see why some business owners assume a home karaoke kit will do the trick. They’re affordable, easy to set up, and packed with backing track versions of hit songs. But there’s one big problem: they are licensed for personal use only.
When you buy a home karaoke machine, the tracks included are covered under a personal-use agreement, meaning they are intended for living rooms and house parties, not public venues. Using them in a pub or bar would be a direct violation of licensing terms, much like using a personal Netflix account to screen films in a cinema.
Commercial karaoke providers, on the other hand, supply entire catalogues of legally licensed karaoke tracks and karaoke systems specifically for public performance. These services include:
Legal Karaoke Content – Ensuring that every song played is licensed for commercial use.
On-Screen Lyrics – High-quality visuals for singers to follow along seamlessly.
Full-Length Versions – Unlike some home karaoke tracks that cut off early, commercial providers offer full versions of songs.
Affordable Monthly Packages – Businesses can access extensive music catalogues through subscription-based services tailored to their needs.
Understanding TheMusicLicence
In the UK, TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS Ltd allows businesses to legally play music, whether for background music usage or live music events like karaoke nights. It ensures that music creators, from songwriters to producers, receive the royalties they are entitled to when their work is used commercially.
What Does TheMusicLicence Cover?
Background Music – If your venue plays music to create atmosphere, whether through a streaming service, CD, or radio, you need a licence.
Live Music Events – If you host karaoke nights, open mic nights, or live performances, you need to be covered for the music performed.
Backing Track Versions – Any music played for karaoke must be properly licensed, ensuring that all instrumentals and vocal-free versions are cleared for commercial use.
The cost of a music licence depends on factors such as the size of your venue, how often you play music, and whether you charge entry fees. As an example, a one-off live music event for up to 100 people with no entry fee can cost around £14.53 under current licensing rates.
The Business Benefits of Getting Licensed
While obtaining a commercial licence might seem like an extra expense, it comes with a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment:
Legal Protection – Avoid fines, legal trouble, and the stress of dealing with copyright infringement claims.
Higher Quality Entertainment – Commercial karaoke services provide superior sound quality, full-length tracks, and regularly updated song catalogues.
Hassle-Free Experience – With a commercial provider, you get a straightforward service that keeps everything legal and running smoothly, so you can host karaoke at your bar headache-free! (Can't promise your punters won't give you a headache after destroying a Whitney classic though.)
Support for Artists – Music licensing ensures that the creators behind your favourite tracks are fairly compensated for their work.
How to Get the Right Licence and Equipment
Securing the correct licensing for your karaoke events is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to get started:
Apply for TheMusicLicence – Visit PPL PRS Ltd to check your venue’s requirements and obtain the necessary licence.
Choose a Commercial Karaoke Provider – Companies like Lucky Voice offer fully licensed karaoke solutions with extensive song catalogues and professional-grade sound systems. They can help you choose the best karaoke machine for your business.
Set Up Your Venue – Invest in a high-quality sound system, screens for on-screen lyrics, and a seamless setup that makes participation easy for customers.
Promote Your Karaoke Nights – Once everything is legally in place, advertise your events through social media, user generated videos, posters, and word-of-mouth to bring in a crowd and start increasing your bar revenue!
Final Notes
Karaoke is an incredible way to boost business, increase dwell time, and create unforgettable nights for your customers. But to do it right, you need to be legally compliant. Using a home karaoke kit in a commercial setting might seem like a quick fix, but it’s a risky move that could lead to fines, legal trouble, and a bad reputation.
Investing in the correct commercial licences and professional karaoke solutions ensures that your venue stays on the right side of copyright law while providing a top-tier experience for your guests. With affordable monthly packages, straightforward service, and access to entire catalogues of licensed soundtracks, there’s no reason to cut corners.
Lucky Voice is the UK’s leading karaoke brand, we have been creating incredible private room karaoke for over 20 years and understand the needs of the operator better than any other karaoke software provider.
Our dedicated team is waiting to help you unlock the potential of karaoke systems in your venue today.
Contact us to get started
Commercial Karaoke License FAQs
Who oversees music licence fees?
PPL PRS Ltd oversees music licence fees in the UK. They manage TheMusicLicence, which ensures that businesses playing music legally compensate the artists, composers, and rights holders.
Can I use bespoke music for karaoke events?
Yes, but bespoke music also requires proper licensing. If you commission custom karaoke tracks or backing tracks, they still need to be cleared for public performance under commercial licensing rules.
What’s the best way to ensure I’m compliant with commercial licensing laws?
The best approach is to use a professional karaoke provider that offers legally licensed content. Services like Karaoke For Business supply entire catalogues of fully licensed karaoke tracks, ensuring your venue remains compliant while offering top-tier entertainment.
