How to Get a Music License for Coffee Shop

January 9, 2026
saudi coffee crafters
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In the old days of Saudi coffee culture, music was banned — you drank your V60 in silence. Today, securing the right music license for coffee shop operations has become essential because music is now a core part of the customer “vibe.”

But with this new openness comes serious regulation.

Many cafe owners make a costly mistake: they buy an iPad, log into their personal Spotify account, and press play.

This is illegal.

Between the Music Commission, ESMAA (royalty collection), and Public Decency regulations, playing music inside your café is a legal minefield. This guide explains exactly who you need to pay, how much it costs, and how to avoid expensive violations — including the notorious “Prayer Time” fines.

Table of Contents

Quick Breakdown: The 3 Rules of Music

Before you turn up the volume, know the rules.

Requirement	Authority	Cost / Fine
Royalty License	ESMAA / Music Commission	~ SAR 2,000 – 4,000 / Year
Live Performance	GEA (Entertainment Authority)	Per Event Permit
Prayer Times	Public Decency	SAR 1,000 Fine (If playing)
Source	B2B Player (e.g., Soundtrack)	Monthly Subscription

1. The “ESMAA” License: Paying the Artists

You might think: “I already pay for Spotify Premium. Why do I need another license?”

Spotify Premium is for Personal Use. When you play it in a business to attract customers, it becomes Commercial Use.

The Agency: ESMAA is the entity in Saudi Arabia authorized to collect royalties for rights holders (artists/labels).
The Cost: The fee is calculated based on your Seating Capacity and Square Footage.
- Small Cafe (60 sqm): Approx SAR 2,500/year.
- Large Lounge (200 sqm): Approx SAR 6,000+/year.
The Risk: ESMAA agents conduct field visits. If they find you playing music without a certificate, they will issue a back-dated invoice and potential penalties.

2. The “Spotify” Trap: Why You Need B2B Software

Using a personal streaming account in a commercial setting violates the Terms of Service and Copyright Law.

The Fix: Use a legal B2B Music Provider that integrates with the Saudi licensing system.
Examples: Soundtrack Your Brand, Mood Media, or Qanawat.
The Benefit: These services allow you to schedule playlists that fit your brand (e.g., “Morning Jazz,” “Evening Deep House”) and remove explicit lyrics that could get you fined.

3. The “Prayer Time” Fine (SAR 1,000)

While shops are now allowed to remain open for business during prayer times, the Public Decency Law (Laihat Al-Thouq Al-Aam) is strict about noise.

The Rule: Music must be completely silent during the Athan and Prayer time.
The Fine: Police or Decency Inspectors can issue an instant SAR 1,000 fine for “Disturbing Public Peace” or violating decency norms.
The Automation: Don’t rely on your barista to remember. Use a B2B player that has an “Azan Scheduler” to auto-mute the system based on Riyadh prayer times.

4. Live Music: The “Oud” Permit

You want to bring an Oud player for Saudi National Day or a DJ for the weekend?

The ESMAA license is NOT enough.

The Authority: Live performances fall under the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).
The Permit: You must apply for an “Entertainment Event Permit” via the GEA portal.
The Cost: Fees vary by event size, but getting caught without one can lead to a SAR 10,000+ fine and potential closure of your shop.

5. The “Silence” Defense

What if you don’t want to pay?

The Strategy: If you play No Music, you pay No Fees.
The Caveat: If you have speakers installed in your ceiling, inspectors might question you. It is safer to keep them disconnected or clearly unused if you are opting for the “Silent Cafe” model (which some customers actually prefer for studying!).

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Cost?

Yes. In the competitive Saudi market, “Ambiance” is 50% of the product. A cafe without music feels empty and awkward.

Your Checklist:

Budget: Set aside SAR 3,000/year for the ESMAA license.
Software: Subscribe to a B2B music player (approx SAR 150/month).
Schedule: Program the “Prayer Time Mute” function immediately.