Why do I have to pay to use music in public?
30 Apr 2025
If you are using someone’s property, there is a moral and legal obligation to first obtain the owner’s permission. The same principle applies to musical works because these are a form of intellectual property.
Under Copyright Law, you have to first obtain permission from the copyright owner or their representative before performing their musical works in public. Otherwise, you may end up being liable for civil damages and criminal penalties.