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  5. Copyright legislation

Copyright legislation

3 minute read • Last updated: 25 February 2025

As a business owner, it's essential to comply with UK copyright laws when it comes to the use of TV, films, music, and images.

Understanding the necessary licences will help you avoid legal issues and ensure your business runs smoothly. Find out what are the different types of licences you may need for your business.

In this article:

  • TV licence
  • Licence for showing film and TV
  • Licence for music
  • Imagery restrictions
  • Check what other licences you might need

TV licence

If your tourism business has a television in any public space — such as a guest room, lounge, or café — you must ensure that you have a TV licence. In the UK, a TV licence is required for any premises where television programmes are watched or recorded as they are broadcast. This requirement applies to all devices, including traditional TVs, computers, tablets, and even mobile phones.

For example, if your guests use the television for watching programmes live or via a digital service, your business must hold a TV licence. The current annual fee for a TV licence will rise to £174.50 from April 2025. Failing to obtain a TV licence when required is a criminal offence, and businesses could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Visit TV Licensing for information on licensing requirements, costs and how to apply.

Licence for showing film and TV

Making the beds

Making the beds

Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, if your business shows films or TV programmes to guests — whether in a common area, guest rooms, or as part of a planned event — you need the correct film and TV licensing.

There are two primary licensing bodies for this.

Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC)

This licence covers public screenings of films or TV shows, including those broadcast on TV or streamed via digital platforms. If you show movies in a public space or provide in-room entertainment via DVD or streaming, you must obtain this licence.

Find out how to apply for a licence from MPLC.

Filmbankmedia

For businesses looking to show films in common areas or guest rooms, this company provides licences for public screenings. They offer annual licences, single-event licences, and even international licensing for film screenings.

Find out how to apply for a licence from Filmbankmedia.

By acquiring the proper licences, your business can legally offer entertainment to your guests without risking penalties.

Find out more

Find out from VisitBritain.org on UK-wide laws on copyright and licensing which apply to businesses.

Licence for music

Music, whether played in a restaurant, bar, public space, or as part of a live event, requires a licence. To legally play music, whether through a radio, TV, digital device, or as part of a live performances, requires a music licence.

TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS Ltd covers a wide range of music rights holders, allowing your business to play both recorded and live music. The cost of the licence varies depending on the size of your business and how you intend to use music. For instance, you may need a different licence for background music compared to live music performances. Be sure to obtain this licence to comply with copyright regulations and avoid fines.

Find out how to apply for a licence from TheMusicLicence.

Imagery restrictions

Using good imagery to promote your business and inspire customers is vital, however restrictions can apply.

When you're using images that are not your own, then they are likely to be covered by copyright legislation and using them without explicit permission, or without the correct image credits, could result in large fines.

You'll also need to get consent from any people featured in your own images if they are recognisable. That could mean getting them to sign a permission form and storing it correctly in line with data protection legislation. 

Take a look at our article on how to take great imagery for guidance on the restrictions you need to be aware of.

Check what other licences you might need

Visit gov.uk to quickly search for and apply for all types of licences or mygov.scot to check what licences are required by your council.

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