Cafes, restaurants and stores often ask how loud their music should be. There is no single decibel level that applies to every business. The appropriate level depends on the location, surrounding buildings, operating hours, speaker placement and the possibility of sound carrying outside the premises.
Is there one decibel limit for music in a business?
It is not enough for music to be audible only inside the business. It is also important to consider whether the sound disturbs neighbouring businesses, homes or public areas.
When playing music:
- Do not point speakers directly at walls or windows.
- Do not raise the bass level unnecessarily.
- Take the business’s closing hours into account.
- Choose a sound system that suits the space.
- Keep the music under control so it does not carry outside.
Sound insulation and acoustic treatment are especially important for businesses located close to homes.
A music broadcasting permit and a music copyright licence are not the same thing
These are separate topics.
A music broadcasting permit and acoustic report concern the sound a business emits into its surroundings. Whether an application or report is required depends on the business activity and location. Ask the relevant Provincial Directorate for the current requirements.
A music copyright licence or commercial use permission concerns the right to play the music in the business. Being able to listen to music online does not automatically mean that it can be played publicly in a business.
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.
FonMusic’s coverage applies to music in the FonMusic catalogue. Spotify, YouTube, radio, television and other music sources must be assessed separately.
It is important to control which source is being played in the business and to keep the agreement and subscription records. You can try FonMusic for free and review playlists suitable for your business.
Practical sound control for businesses
- Keep the music at a level where customers can speak comfortably.
- Do not concentrate too many speakers in one location.
- Adjust bass so it does not create unnecessary low-frequency noise.
- Regularly check how much of the music can be heard outside the business.
- Reassess the scope of any permit or report when the sound system changes.
The goal is to support the customer experience with music while preventing disturbance to the surrounding area.
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