Paying for music and having permission to play it to customers are two different things. A Spotify subscription gives an individual access to a catalogue; it does not automatically grant a salon a commercial public-performance licence.
What do Spotify’s terms say?
Spotify’s standard service is intended for personal, non-commercial use. Free and Premium differ in features and advertising, not in turning a consumer account into a business public-performance service. A salon, café or reception therefore needs a music source and rights designed for commercial use.
But is Spotify Premium not enough?
No. Premium removes ads and adds consumer features. In Poland, playing mainstream recordings publicly can additionally involve rights represented by ZAiKS, STOART and ZPAV. Even separate collecting-society payments do not necessarily change the consumer platform’s own contractual restriction.
What about YouTube?
Ordinary YouTube access is also not a blanket business-music licence. A video being freely accessible does not prove that its uploader owns every right or that public commercial playback is permitted.
Is radio illegal too?
The radio station can broadcast legally while a venue still needs permission for its separate public use of the signal. See Radio in a shop and ZAiKS.
Summary of popular music sources
| Source | Legal for ordinary business playback? | Additional licence issue? |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Free | No under the consumer terms | ZAiKS/STOART/ZPAV may also apply |
| Spotify Premium | No under the consumer terms | ZAiKS/STOART/ZPAV may also apply |
| YouTube | Not by default | rights must be verified |
| Radio | broadcaster is licensed | venue use may require separate rights |
| Apple Music / Tidal | consumer service, not by default | public-performance rights may apply |
| SoundYou | Yes for its licensed catalogue | public-performance licence included |
What can happen if music is played unlawfully?
A platform may enforce its terms, while rights holders or Polish collecting organisations may seek payment, cessation of use or damages. Outcomes depend on the facts; rare inspections do not make the use lawful.
Is “Spotify for Business” the solution?
Do not assume a familiar brand name or third-party label grants the rights you need. Read the actual agreement: it should expressly permit public performance in your country and venue type and cover the relevant rights.
Legal salon music without separate ZAiKS fees
A directly licensed catalogue clears author, performer and producer rights at source. SoundYou supplies its own business catalogue, ad-free scheduling and a certificate for the covered venue. The licence applies only to that catalogue, not to songs played from a private account.
See licensed music for beauty salons →
Questions and answers
Q: I have used Spotify for years. Could a claim cover the past?
A: A retrospective claim may be possible depending on the facts and limitation rules. Request its basis in writing and obtain Polish legal advice.
Q: What if music is quiet and only in reception?
A: Volume and room name do not automatically make playback private when customers can hear it.
Q: Does a live DJ in a restaurant require ZAiKS permission?
A: Public performance of represented works generally requires the relevant authorisation, regardless of whether it is live or recorded.
Q: Is music from a free archive legal in a salon?
A: Only if the specific licence permits commercial public performance and all relevant rights are covered. Check every licence and keep evidence.
Q: Can I ignore ZAiKS because inspections are rare?
A: No. Enforcement frequency does not determine legality.
This article provides general information about Poland and is not individual legal advice.
