Compliance Guide • Ireland 2026
IMRO & PPI Music Licence for Hotels, Restaurants & Bars in Ireland
Everything you need to know about the Dual Music Licence system — who must pay, how much it costs, how to register, and what happens if you don’t. Based on official IMRO/PPI documentation and the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.
MERIDIAN INSIGHT
Most Irish venue owners think the TV Licence covers their music. It doesn't.
The Dual Music Licence is a completely separate legal requirement — and ignorance has never been accepted as a defence.
1. The PRO System: IMRO, PPI & MCPS
In Ireland, the management of music rights is divided into two distinct categories: the copyright in the musical work (composition and lyrics) and the copyright in the sound recording (the specific performance captured on a medium). This distinction creates a dual-licensing structure that, while operationally consolidated since 2016, remains legally separate.
IMRO
Irish Music Rights Organisation
Manages the performing right — the copyright in the musical composition and lyrics. IMRO represents composers, songwriters, and music publishers. Through reciprocal agreements with foreign PROs (PRS, ASCAP, GEMA, SACEM, and others), an IMRO licence covers virtually all commercially released music worldwide.
PPI
Phonographic Performance Ireland
Represents neighbouring rights — the copyright in the sound recording itself. PPI collects royalties on behalf of record labels and performing artists. Under Section 38 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, producers and performers have a right to “equitable remuneration” when their recordings are played in public.
MCPS
Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society
Administered by IMRO in Ireland, MCPS manages mechanical rights — the right to copy music onto a medium (hard drive, server, digital player). This is relevant for businesses using digital background music systems where music is stored locally. Many B2B music providers include MCPS clearance in their subscriptions.
The critical point: playing music in your business requires permission from both the composer’s representatives (IMRO) and the recording owner’s representatives (PPI). Failure to hold this licence while playing music is treated as a copyright infringement, exposing the business to both civil and criminal penalties under Irish law.
2. The Dual Music Licence
Before 2016, Irish businesses had to deal with IMRO and PPI separately — two applications, two contracts, two invoices. The Dual Music Licence, introduced in 2016, consolidated this into a single point of contact. IMRO now acts as the administrator for both organisations, issuing one contract and one invoice that covers both sets of rights.
The Dual Licence Contract Structure
This means you deal with one organisation, receive one contract, and pay one invoice. You do not need to contact PPI separately. The Dual Licence covers the public performance of virtually all commercially released music — domestic and international — in your business premises.
3. Who Must Pay?
The legal requirement is triggered by the “public performance” of music. Under Irish law, a performance is considered public if it takes place outside of a domestic or private family setting. This definition is broad and covers almost every commercial interaction where music is audible to customers, clients, or staff.
Hotels & Guest Houses
Hotels represent a multi-layered compliance challenge. Each distinct area is assessed separately:
- •Lobbies, corridors, lifts, reception areas
- •Bars and restaurants (separate tariffs)
- •Guest bedrooms (TV/radio = public performance)
- •Spas, swimming pools, gyms
- •Function rooms and banquet halls
Restaurants & Cafés
Any establishment that plays music to enhance the dining experience:
- •Background music: Subtle atmosphere music via radio, playlist, or TV
- •Featured music: Higher volume or specific entertainment (DJ sets, musical evenings)
- •Calculation based on seating capacity
Bars, Pubs & Nightclubs
The “Vintners” sector has specific negotiated tariffs:
- •Traditional pubs: Background music and TV (sports, news)
- •Late bars & nightclubs: “Specially Featured Entertainment” tariffs per session/capacity
- •Calculation based on square meterage and/or turnover
Fitness, Gyms & Wellness
Two distinct modes of music usage:
- •Ambient/background: Reception areas, changing rooms, gym floor (Tariff 12)
- •Fitness classes: Aerobics, spinning, aqua aerobics — billed per class session (Tariff 8)
Retail & Commercial
Retailers use music to increase “dwell time” and create atmosphere:
- •Shops, showrooms, supermarkets (by audible area)
- •Hair and beauty salons (Small Premises tariff)
- •Offices and factories (even staff-only areas)
Social & Sports Clubs
Clubs, community centres, and non-commercial venues:
- •TV-only or electronic apparatus (Tariff J)
- •Fixed annual fee regardless of frequency of use
THE HARD TRUTH
Atmosphere rarely fails loudly.
It fails by drifting.
No one decides to create inconsistency.
It happens when music is left to habit, convenience, or whoever happens to be present.
The result isn't chaos — it's subtle erosion.
- A lobby that feels different depending on the shift.
- A bar that never quite settles into its evening rhythm — shorter stays, lower RevPAR.
A 1% drop in guest satisfaction due to "mood inconsistency" can represent thousands in lost RevPAR annually.
When atmosphere has no owner,
time becomes the deciding factor.
And time is not neutral.
4. 2026 Tariff Structure
The 2026 tariff schedule reflects annual inflationary adjustments applied to the 2025 base rates, aligned with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). All fees below are Standard Rates for businesses that apply before commencing music performance. If music is found playing without a licence, the Higher Royalty Rate (Standard + 50%) applies.
All fees shown are exclusive of 23% VAT. Licences are annual and non-refundable.
4.1 Hotel Restaurants & Cafés (IHF Members — Tariff 45)
Irish Hotels Federation members benefit from a negotiated annual tariff based on seating capacity:
| Seating Capacity | 2026 Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 seats | €93.13 |
| 21 – 40 seats | €176.97 |
| 41 – 60 seats | €265.46 |
| 61 – 80 seats | €353.94 |
| 81 – 100 seats | €442.43 |
| 101 – 150 seats | €584.43 |
| 151 – 200 seats | €779.19 |
| 201 – 250 seats | €946.18 |
| Over 250 seats | €3.89/seat |
4.2 Hotel Bedrooms (Tariff HRNPD)
Hotel bedroom rates are tiered by the number of rooms with in-room TV/radio:
| Number of Rooms | 2026 Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 – 50 rooms | €82.85 |
| 51 – 100 rooms | €165.67 |
| 101 – 150 rooms | €248.53 |
| 151 – 200 rooms | €331.37 |
| Per additional 50 rooms | €82.85 |
4.3 Pubs & Bars (Non-Members — Tariff 13)
For pubs and bars not members of VFI or IHF, the tariff is based on audible area:
| Audible Area | Sound Recordings | TV Only |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 46 m² | €154.64 | €73.53 |
| 47 – 139 m² | €231.90 | €110.30 |
| 140 – 279 m² | €371.03 | €165.44 |
| Above 279 m² | €123.68 per 93 m² | €55.14 per 93 m² |
4.4 Retail (Tariff 7)
The retail tariff covers shops, supermarkets, showrooms, and financial institutions:
| Audible Area | 2026 Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 m² | €123.68 |
| 26 – 50 m² | €154.62 |
| 51 – 100 m² | €200.99 |
| 101 – 150 m² | €247.37 |
| 151 – 200 m² | €293.72 |
| 201 – 250 m² | €340.13 |
| 251 – 500 m² | €447.31 |
| 501 – 1,000 m² | €766.81 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 m² | €1,022.42 |
| Above 2,000 m² | €14.61 per 100 m² |
4.5 Fitness Classes (Tariff 8)
| Average Class Attendance | Charge Per Session |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 | €0.88 |
| 11 – 20 | €1.88 |
| 21 – 30 | €2.79 |
| 31 – 40 | €3.69 |
| 41 – 50 | €4.61 |
4.6 Featured Music: Events & DJs
For nightclubs, wedding receptions, dances, and DJ sets — charged per session:
| Licensed Capacity | Per Session |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | €19.35 |
| 101 – 200 | €32.94 |
| 201 – 300 | €46.21 |
| 301 – 400 | €52.80 |
| 401 – 500 | €59.37 |
| Per additional 100 | €3.99 |
4.7 Social & Sports Clubs (Tariff J)
| Usage Type | 2026 Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| TV Only | €158.65 |
| Any electronic apparatus (with or without TV) | €299.73 |
| Minimum Annual Royalty | €158.65 |
5. Trade Association Discounts
IMRO has negotiated preferential tariff schedules with Ireland’s major hospitality trade bodies. Membership in these associations can result in significantly lower annual fees.
IHF
Irish Hotels Federation
Members access Tariff 45 for restaurant areas — typically lower than the standard HRNPD rates. Dedicated compliance guides and support available through IHF resources.
RAI
Restaurants Association of Ireland
RAI members can access negotiated tariff rates for restaurant and dining establishments. The association also provides industry-specific compliance guidance.
VFI
Vintners’ Federation of Ireland
VFI member pubs use Tariff 49 instead of the standard Tariff 13 — often resulting in lower per-square-metre rates for background music. Dublin pubs may have separate arrangements (Tariff PLVA).
Important: Proof of trade association membership is required when applying for the discounted tariff. If you’re not currently a member, consider whether the association fee is offset by the tariff savings — for larger venues, the savings can be substantial.
6. 2025/2026 Legal Changes
The most significant recent development in Irish music licensing is the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, which became effective in 2026. While the day-to-day cost for businesses remains largely unchanged, the legal framework underpinning royalty distribution has been fundamentally altered.
The 50/50 Statutory Split
Following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), Ireland was found to be in breach of international treaties for failing to ensure performers received their fair share of royalties — particularly for music originating outside the EEA. The 2025/2026 legislation establishes a mandatory 50/50 split of all royalties collected for sound recordings between the record producer and the performers. This right to “equitable remuneration” is now enforceable for performers from any country party to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
Disputes over royalty splits that cannot be resolved through negotiation are now heard by the Circuit Court, rather than the Intellectual Property Office. This provides stronger judicial oversight of these economic rights and more accessible resolution for all parties.
Presumption of Representation
While not a formal statutory provision like Germany’s GEMA-Vermutung, IMRO and PPI operate on a similar practical principle: because they represent the vast majority of the “world repertoire” of music, the law presumes that any music played in a commercial setting belongs to their repertoire. The burden of proof rests on the business owner to demonstrate they only play music from creators who are not IMRO/PPI members or any of their international affiliates. This is a high evidentiary bar.
What this means for businesses: The Dual Licence fee you pay remains the same. The change affects how royalties are distributed behind the scenes. However, the strengthened legal framework reinforces that music licensing compliance is a statutory obligation, not a voluntary choice.
7. Registration & Licensing Workflow
The licensing process is designed to be straightforward. New businesses must apply before commencing music performances to qualify for the Standard Royalty rate.
Apply Online
Register through the IMRO Online Licensing Portal (licensing.imro.ie). Select your business classification (restaurant, hotel, gym, etc.) and provide detailed “Performance Particulars”: square meterage, seating capacity, number of rooms, equipment types, and hours of operation. You can also contact the IMRO Customer First Team at 1800 66 10 10.
Assessment & Documentation
IMRO assesses the applicable tariffs based on your information. You may need to provide: Fire Safety Certificates (to verify licensed capacity), trade association membership proof (for discounted rates), and for certain bar tariffs, a certified turnover statement from an accountant.
Dual Licence Contract
IMRO issues a Dual Music Licence Contract with a tariff breakdown showing the IMRO and PPI components. Review the contract carefully — ensure all music areas are covered and seating/capacity figures are accurate. The contract is a rolling annual agreement.
Payment
Pay via Direct Debit, bank transfer, or credit card through the IMRO online payment portal. Invoices are issued annually (or quarterly for featured entertainment). Once paid, your Dual Music Licence is active — keep the licence number as proof of compliance.
Annual Renewal & Updates
Licences renew automatically each year with CPI-adjusted rates. You must notify IMRO within 30 days of any changes to your “Performance Particulars” (venue extension, capacity change, new music areas). Failure to notify of increased usage results in backdated fees at the Higher Royalty Rate.
MERIDIAN INSIGHT
IMRO does not offer short-term licences.
Even seasonal businesses must pay the full annual fee — there is no daily, monthly, or pay-as-you-play option for general business music. Budget the licence into your startup costs from day one.
8. Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is enforced through a combination of field inspections and legal mechanisms backed by the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.
Field Inspections
IMRO and PPI employ licensing representatives who conduct unannounced visits to commercial premises. During inspections, they verify whether music is playing, identify the source (TV, radio, streaming, live), and assess whether the usage matches the declared Performance Particulars. If they can’t enter, they can gather evidence externally — hearing music through the door, or noting advertisements for live music events.
Financial & Legal Penalties
- 50% Higher Royalty Rate surcharge — applied to the entire period of unlicensed usage. If you owe €300 for a year, you’ll pay €450 once caught.
- ← Backdated royalties — IMRO can backdate fees to the date music usage began, subject to the statute of limitations.
- 5% Interest on arrears — charged at 5% per annum above the AIB Bank plc “AAA” rate on late payments.
- § Section 140 proceedings — civil damages, court injunctions, and in extreme cases criminal prosecution with substantial fines. Operating in defiance of a court injunction is contempt of court.
THE HARD TRUTH
Atmosphere rarely fails loudly.
It fails by drifting.
No one decides to create inconsistency.
It happens when music is left to habit, convenience, or whoever happens to be present.
The result isn't chaos — it's subtle erosion.
- A lobby that feels different depending on the shift.
- A bar that never quite settles into its evening rhythm — shorter stays, lower RevPAR.
A 1% drop in guest satisfaction due to "mood inconsistency" can represent thousands in lost RevPAR annually.
When atmosphere has no owner,
time becomes the deciding factor.
And time is not neutral.
9. Common Myths Debunked
“My Spotify Premium covers business use.”
False. Personal streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube) are licensed for private, non-commercial use only. Using them in a business breaches both the service’s terms of use and copyright law. As IMRO states: “Any music played on a PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone or any other internet connected device requires a Dual Music Licence.” You need an authorised B2B music service and the Dual Music Licence.
“I already pay the TV Licence, that covers me.”
False. The TV Licence is a government fee for receiving broadcast signals — it has nothing to do with copyright. Broadcasters (RTÉ, radio stations) pay IMRO for their transmissions, but those payments cover the broadcast to the general public at home, not re-use in commercial premises. Even news and sports channels contain copyrighted music (themes, adverts, background scores).
“We’re too small to need a licence.”
False. There is no minimum square meterage threshold, no revenue exemption, no grace period for new businesses. If music is audible to the public in your premises, a licence is required from day one. As IMRO explicitly states: “All businesses, regardless of size, are required to obtain a licence if they use music publicly.” Tariffs scale down for small venues, but the legal obligation does not disappear.
“It’s only for staff — the public can’t hear it.”
False. Under Irish copyright law, a performance is “public” if it takes place outside a domestic or private family setting. Employees are not family. Even in areas the public never enters — kitchens, warehouses, offices — playing music for staff through speakers is a public performance requiring a licence.
“I bought the CDs, so I own the rights.”
False. Purchasing music (CDs, downloads, vinyl) gives you private use rights only. Playing purchased music in a commercial setting is still a public performance requiring IMRO/PPI permission. Buying a DVD gives you the right to watch it at home, not to screen it in a cinema — the same principle applies to music in your venue.
“I only use it occasionally — I shouldn’t pay for the whole year.”
That’s the law. IMRO does not offer short-term licences for seasonal or occasional use. Even if you “hardly ever turn on the TV or radio,” the annual licence is required. There is no pay-as-you-play model for general business music. The tariff is based on capacity and potential use, not actual hours of music played.
“Hotel bedrooms are private spaces.”
False. EU and Irish courts have established that providing a television or radio in a hotel bedroom constitutes a public performance. The hotel makes music available to a continuously changing audience of guests for a commercial purpose. Hotel bedroom rates are tiered by the number of rooms and charged as a separate line item on the licence.
10. Exemptions & Edge Cases
Exemptions are extremely limited in Irish copyright law. Most hospitality businesses will find that none apply to them.
Acts of Divine Worship
Music played as part of a religious service in a place of worship is generally exempt from IMRO/PPI fees. However, this does not extend to church hall dinners, concerts on church premises, or church-run cafés. The exemption is strictly for devotional services.
Educational Instruction
Music used strictly within the curriculum of a school or university — limited to students and teachers in a classroom setting — is exempt. This does not cover school fetes, student bars, or leisure/fitness classes open to the public.
Personal Headphones Only
If music is only listened to via personal headphones on individual devices (e.g. gym members wearing their own earbuds), no public performance occurs. However, the moment music leaves headphones and enters a speaker system, the licence is required. Silent discos are NOT exempt — the venue provides the performance and equipment.
100% Royalty-Free Music
If you exclusively play music from composers who have never joined any PRO worldwide, you may not need a licence. However, this is an all-or-nothing scenario: the moment you play one track from IMRO/PPI’s catalogue, you need the full licence. Be aware that even traditional or classical music may not be royalty-free if the arrangement or recording is modern (copyright lasts 70 years after the composer’s death). You must be prepared to prove your entire playlist is outside PRO repertoire.
No “Private Event” Exemption at Venues
Weddings, corporate events, and “invite-only” functions at commercial venues are not private from a copyright perspective. The venue is a public sphere, and the licence covers any music played on premises regardless of who attends. Most venues’ general licences cover typical private hires.
11. Official Tools & Resources
IMRO Online Licensing Portal
Self-service portal to register, manage your account, calculate estimated royalties, access invoices, and update your Performance Particulars.
licensing.imro.ie →
IMRO Tariff Listings
Browse tariffs by business type with downloadable PDF documents showing exact 2026 rates for each category. Includes both IMRO and PPI tariff references.
imro.ie/music-users →
IMRO Music Users FAQ
Comprehensive FAQ addressing staff-only music, TV news, Spotify use, seasonal licensing, traditional music, and more.
imro.ie/faq →
Sign Up for a Music Licence
Direct sign-up page for new businesses. Includes guidance by sector and contact information for the IMRO Customer First Team.
imro.ie/get-your-licence →
IPOI — Licensing Bodies Register
The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland maintains the official register of copyright licensing bodies including IMRO and PPI tariff documentation.
ipoi.gov.ie →
Copyright Act 2000 (Full Text)
The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 — the primary legislation governing music licensing obligations in Ireland.
irishstatutebook.ie →
IMRO Customer First Team
For personalised tariff calculations, licensing queries, or to discuss your specific situation:
Freephone: 1800 66 10 10
12. How Meridian Chapters Helps
We’re a background music service built specifically for European hospitality venues. While you still need the IMRO/PPI Dual Music Licence for the public performance right, Meridian Chapters eliminates the most common compliance risks:
100% Licensed Music
Every track in our catalogue is cleared for commercial use. No personal Spotify accounts, no terms-of-service violations, no grey areas.
No Playlist Management
We design atmosphere profiles for your venue — you never need to choose songs, build playlists, or worry about what’s playing.
24/7 Automated Atmosphere
Music adapts to time of day and venue zones automatically. Staff never need to touch the system, and music never stops unexpectedly.
Multi-Zone Support
Hotels with lobbies, restaurants, spas, and bars each get their own atmosphere profile. One system, multiple zones, independently controlled.
Every country has its own system. We know them all.
Ireland has IMRO and PPI. Croatia has ZAMP. Germany has GEMA and GVL. Italy has SIAE and SCF. Every market, a different bureaucracy.
Meridian Chapters handles music compliance for venues across Europe — so you can focus on your guests' experience.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IMRO licence if I only have the radio on? +
Can I use my personal Spotify account in my café? +
How much does an IMRO licence cost for a restaurant? +
What is the Dual Music Licence? +
How much does an IMRO licence cost for a hotel? +
Is there a small business exemption in Ireland? +
What happens if I play music without a licence? +
Do hotel bedrooms need a music licence? +
Is music for staff only exempt from licensing? +
What are the trade association discounts? +
Can IMRO inspect my premises? +
Are silent discos exempt from licensing? +
How do I register for a Dual Music Licence? +
What changed with the 2025/2026 Copyright Amendment? +
Do I need a separate licence for live music? +
Are charity events exempt from music licensing? +
14. Official Sources
This guide is based exclusively on official PRO documentation, government publications, and statutory instruments. Key sources for verification:
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While all data is sourced from official PRO documentation and current legislation, businesses should verify specific tariff applications with IMRO directly and consult a legal professional for complex compliance scenarios. All tariff figures are valid as of January 2026 and subject to annual CPI adjustment.
More Compliance Guides
Croatia
ZAMP Vodiç 2026
Complete guide to ZAMP licensing for Croatian hospitality venues.
Germany
GEMA-Leitfaden 2026
Comprehensive GEMA licensing guide for German hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Italy
Guida SIAE/SCF 2026
Complete SIAE and SCF licensing guide for Italian hospitality venues.
France
Guide SACEM 2026
Complete SACEM licensing guide for French hospitality venues.
Questions About Music Licensing in Ireland?
We help Irish venues set up compliant background music systems. Get in touch and we’ll walk you through the process.
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