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Parties, DJ sets and dance events organised by restaurant establishments

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Apply here for a licence to use music at parties,

in DJ sets and dance events organised by restaurant establishments

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For parties, DJ sets, or dance events with music for entertainment, SUISA will issue you a licence for the music.

Licences for parties organised by a restaurant
If you organise dances or entertainment events in your establishment, you need a licence under Common Tariff H (CT H).


Such events include events with live music performed by musicians or singers, events with music for dancing or as accompaniment for shows and performances (dancers, artists, etc.), karaoke events or DJ performances.

The licence fee is based on the admission price plus the price of the cheapest alcoholic beverage and the number of guests.

If you play music from music recordings (MP3, CDs, LPs, Streaming etc.) at your events, an additional fee is due for the artist’s and the producer’s rights (neighbouring rights).

Reductions for contract customers and trade associations

If you conclude a contract with SUISA covering your events, you can claim reductions of up to 25% provided you comply with the contractual terms and conditions. Members of a national trade association (GastroSuisse, hotelleriesuisse, PETZI, ASCO, etc.) are entitled to an additional reduction of 10%.

Please refer to the fact sheet for more detailed information.  

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. Royalties are due whenever music is performed in public – whether or not admission is charged and the musicians are paid.  The only exception is for private events such as birthday parties and weddings.

    If you don’t charge admission, the royalty is lower. Common Tariff H specifies the applicable rates.

  • No, because it is not an event in a small circle of family and friends.

  • Concerts and concert-like performances in the hospitality industry are usually licensed under Common Tariff K (CT K).

    Exception: If an event is free of charge – i.e. no admission fee, collections, or mark-up on drinks – and is organised by the hotel or restaurant itself on its own premises, Common Tariff H (CT H) applies.