When opening a cafe, music-related documents should be considered under two separate headings:
- Permits and reports required for the sound the business emits into its surroundings
- The commercial usage rights for the music being played
These two processes do not replace one another.
Music broadcasting permit and acoustic report
The same documents may not be mandatory for every business. The location, business activity, sound system and the effect of the music on the surrounding area should be assessed.
Application lists may include:
- Application letter
- Workplace opening and operating licence
- Tourism operation certificate, if applicable
- Signature circular or power of attorney
- Wet-signed undertaking
- Acoustic report
- Application fee receipt
- Required electronic system records
An acoustic report should be prepared by an authorised laboratory and comply with current legislation. Ask the relevant Provincial Directorate for the current document list before applying.
Commercial music use
Music played in a cafe must be suitable for commercial use. Music applications offered for personal use may not automatically be sufficient for public music playback in a business.
The music source should:
- Permit commercial use.
- Clearly state the scope of use.
- Be supported by stored subscription and agreement records.
- Be the only source used in the business when that is what the permission covers.
FonMusic for commercial music licensing
With a FonMusic subscription, you can use the music catalogue available in FonMusic in your business together with the Commercial Use Agreement.
According to FonMusic’s current explanations, this coverage applies to music in the FonMusic catalogue. Spotify, YouTube, radio, television and third-party music catalogues must be assessed separately.
You can try FonMusic for free to organise your cafe’s music source before opening.
Checklist for the first 30 days
First week
- Find out whether your music playback falls within the scope of environmental permits.
- Decide on the sound system and speaker placement.
- Choose the music source you will use.
- Review the Commercial Use Agreement.
Second week
- Start the acoustic report process if required.
- Prepare your licence and application documents.
- Record your FonMusic subscription and agreement details.
During the first month
- Check that applications have been completed.
- Keep agreements, invoices and permit documents.
- Prevent staff from playing music from personal accounts.
- Reassess the permit scope if the sound system changes.
When opening a cafe, check the environmental noise process and the commercial right to use music separately. The FonMusic catalogue and Commercial Use Agreement address the music-source side; environmental permits and acoustic reports must be assessed separately according to the business’s circumstances.
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