Organizing a private event is an exciting experience. It can be a wedding, a birthday or a company party, and the right soundtrack is essential to create the perfect atmosphere. But when it comes to playing music at a private event, you also have to deal with legal issues, especially those related to the SIAE.
What is SIAE?
The SIAE, acronym for Italian Society of Authors and Publishers, is the body that deals with the protection of copyright in Italy. Simply put, it manages and collects royalties relating to the use of musical works and other intellectual products, ensuring that artists are properly compensated for the use of their creations.
The SIAE Permit for Private Events
When you organize a private event and decide to play music, you need to obtain a permit from the SIAE. This permission is a mandatory requirement to respect the copyrights of the artists. Even if the event is private and limited to a small number of participants, SIAE still requires payment of fees. Remember that SIAE is the responsibility of whoever organizes the event, so it is neither the venue nor the band/DJ's responsibility to pay the compensation due. However, it is good practice for them to inform you of the duties relating to the payment of the permit for the event you are organizing.
The Myth of Midnight
A common myth regarding SIAE fees is that they are not due if the event ends before midnight. This myth is rooted in the mistaken belief that at midnight there is a sort of "halt" and the copyrights, before Cinderella Time, are free. In reality, it doesn't matter the time of the event: if you play music for which SIAE authorization is required, you must obtain permission and pay the corresponding fees.
How much does it cost and where can you pay?
The price of the SIAE varies depending on the event you are organizing and the number of participants. For this specific information we invite you to scroll down to go directly to the official website.
When is SIAE NOT paid?
The only case in which the SIAE does not need to be paid is when you are organizing a private event in the place where you live. In this case, whether it's you, alone, listening to the music you love, or whether there are 100 people, it doesn't matter. You are at home, you can do what you want! Obviously respecting the needs of your neighbors too! 😅
What duties does the DJ have?
The DJ, earning from the work done by the artists who create the music that the public loves to sing and dance to, is required to have various legal obligations.
Obviously he must have an open VAT number to be able to work regularly. Furthermore, as regards the SIAE side, it must have a separate license (in addition to the one the customer pays for the single event) which is paid annually, costing around €400. The music must also be downloaded through legal and official channels, either in single tracks or in packages dedicated to DJs, the so-called "DJ Pools" which allow professionals in the sector to have access to very large catalogs of music. This guarantees guests to enjoy music of exceptional quality, incomparable to that, alas, downloaded from YouTube (of very poor quality and very illegal!). In the absence of one of these elements, even if you have paid the SIAE, in case of checks your party would be interrupted and it would end there.
EventIndustry obviously has all the requirements to be able to hold a party in complete tranquility.
Conclusion
To play music at a private event in Italy, you must obtain permission from the SIAE and pay royalties. The midnight myth is just a misunderstanding: the SIAE requires payment of fees regardless of the time of the event. Make sure you get permission and respect the rights of the artists, ensuring a legal and respectful music experience for everyone.
