Understanding Licensing

Much of the legislation concerning the licensing of premises and the use of copyrighted material can be complex. This guidance provides a step-by-step guide to the main types of licences your church may need to hold.

Most licensing requirements for church use can be covered by Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), and it is recommended that you contact them for specific advice.

Common Licences Required by Churches

Hymns and Worship Songs (CCLI Church Copyright Licence): Required to reproduce the words or music of hymns and worship songs, for example on song sheets or projection screens. This also covers recording services for church library use, weddings, and funerals.
Performing Rights Society (PRS for Music): Required for the performance of music on church premises for activities *other than* an act of worship. This includes live concerts, dance classes, youth clubs, and background music at coffee mornings.
Public Performance Licence (PPL): Required *in addition* to the PRS licence if you play commercial music recordings (e.g., from a CD or MP3) during activities other than acts of worship.
Mechanical Copyright (MCPS): The CCLI licence includes some rights to record live music during services. However, if you are re-recording (dubbing) from a commercial CD, you will need a separate Limited Manufacture (LM) Licence from PRS for Music.
Church Video Licence (CVL): Provides legal cover to show videos, DVDs, or film clips, from a few seconds up to a full-length feature film.
Public Entertainment Licence: Generally, a licence is not required for music, dance, or plays if the event is between 8am and 11pm and the audience is no more than 500 people. However, you should check with your Local Authority, as they may require a Premises Licence or a Temporary Event Notice.

Further Advice and Contact Details

If you are in doubt about your licensing needs, CCLI can provide further advice.

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International)
Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1BF
Telephone: 01323 436100
Website: https://churches.uk.ccli.com/

You can download the 'Church Licensing Requirements' guidance note from our Property Resources & Forms page for more detailed information.