Independent Retailers Warned Over Music Licensing Costs as Podcast Reveals 70% Savings Alternative

Bira has released a podcast warning shop owners about the complex and often misunderstood world of music licensing, revealing that many retailers are unaware they need a licence simply for playing background music in their shops.

The latest episode of 'High Street Matters' from Bira explores the obligations around PRS and PPL music licensing, the consequences of non-compliance, and a royalty-free alternative that can save retailers an average of 70% compared to traditional licensing costs.

He said: "In the vast majority of cases, if you're playing music in a commercial space via whatever method - CD, Spotify, radio - you're going to need a music licence to cover that. Costs are not easy for people to work out in the first instance."

Mr Thompson, whose company Background Sounds has been supporting approaching 1,000 businesses across the UK with royalty-free music for five years, explained that retailers caught playing music without a licence face a 50% premium on top of standard costs.

Mel shared her experience of navigating the music licensing landscape, which prompted her health food shops to explore royalty-free alternatives

She said: "It's important that it's something that you have on your checklist when you're opening your shop - what am I going to do about music? The royalty-free option is a much more cost-effective option. It saves an awful lot of time and effort and paperwork."

Mel added: "Most retailers don't have that kind of time to go down that route, so Background Sounds offers just a really quick instant solution that's cost-effective, especially with the Bira offer as well. It's a bit of a no-brainer."

The podcast explores how royalty-free music works differently from traditional licensing, with artists monetising their music through sync agreements rather than PRS and PPL registration. Background Sounds offers 67,000 tracks across 67 different playlists, updated twice a month, accessible via a streaming platform that works with tablets and sound systems.

Mr Goodacre reminded retailers that if they want to switch from an existing licence, they need to give 30 days notice, and emphasised the importance of understanding obligations around music in retail spaces.

Mel highlighted the importance of background music to the retail experience: "Shops are too quiet without it - it makes customers uncomfortable when you can hear a pin drop. It's really important in lifestyle shops where people browse for a long time. It creates the right atmosphere."

The podcast will be available from 13th May 2026.