Can You Play Music in a Hair Salon? Let’s Find Out
Do you enjoy listening to music while working? Want to make the time spent by your clients more pleasant? Playing music in a hair salon isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Can You Use Spotify?
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and YouTube Music explicitly state in their terms and conditions that music is for personal use only. Public and commercial use is prohibited and could lead to fines.
For example, Spotify’s terms of service state:
„It is forbidden to play Spotify music in public venues such as pubs, restaurants, shops, salons, dance schools, or radio stations.”
Even with a paid subscription, public playback remains illegal.
Can You Use Your Own CDs?
Owning original CDs or legally purchased digital music does not grant you the right to publicly play them in a workplace. To play CDs legally in a hair salon, you must obtain a license from organizations like PRS for Music (in the UK) or similar entities in your country.
What About Radio?
Playing the radio in a salon is allowed, but you’ll need to pay royalties to organizations such as:
- PRS for Music (for composers and songwriters),
- PPL (for performers and producers).
The cost depends on factors such as location, business type, and payment method (monthly or annually).
Free Legal Music – Is It Possible?
Yes, you can find plenty of tracks online under a Creative Commons license, which can be played for free, even commercially. While you won’t find chart-topping hits, you can still create a pleasant atmosphere with music from genres like jazz, classical, or light electronic tunes.
The Risks of Playing Music Without a License
Many businesses continue to play music via Spotify or CDs without proper licensing, hoping to avoid detection. However, inspections can result in hefty fines. It’s always better to comply with the law and avoid potential legal issues.
Summary:
Music can enhance the atmosphere in a hair salon, but it must be played legally. The safest option is to use Creative Commons-licensed tracks or pay for the necessary licenses through the appropriate organizations. This ensures your salon remains compliant while still enjoying music.