Can I play the radio in my salon or café without paying?

No. Music played to guests or customers is communication to the public, and every communication to the public needs a licence (art. 36(1)); that includes radio or TV through speakers and screens (art. 47) and recordings from any medium (art. 40). The licence is requested from the collective management organisation before use starts (art. 233(1)): in Croatia for music that is HDS ZAMP, which also contracts and collects for performers (HUZIP) and phonogram producers (ZAPRAF). The fee depends on the tariff (type and size of the premises).

Who must?

Every venue where music plays to people outside the family: café, restaurant, hair or beauty salon, shop, waiting room, gym.

What to do?

1. Before playing music, apply to HDS ZAMP for a licence (type of venue, floor area, how music is used; art. 233(1)).
2. Sign the contract and pay the fee per the tariff; keep the contract on the premises.
3. Report changes (closing, new premises) and give the data the organisation asks for (art. 234).

Where to file?

Licence application to HDS ZAMP; fee per the contract.

Who checks?

Collective management organisations (HDS ZAMP, HUZIP, ZAPRAF) approved by DZIV monitor use (art. 241), with the State Inspectorate, customs and police assisting on request (art. 241(3)); inspection under special regulations (art. 294)

Fine

Communication to the public without a licence: legal person 5,000 to 50,000 kuna (about 664 to 6,636 €), sole trader the same, responsible person 2,000 to 10,000 kuna (Copyright Act art. 296(1)(16), (2) and (3); the text is still in kuna). On top of the offence the organisation charges the fee for the unlicensed period.

What if I am already late?

Contact ZAMP yourself before an inspection finds you; the fee from the day you register costs less than the offence plus back fees.