“Music is healing. Music holds things together.” ―Prince
 

At The Crown and Sceptre, the beat never stops. Our stage hosts a vibrant mix of DJs and live music acts, spinning everything from soulful grooves to cutting-edge underground sounds. Diverse, electric, and always unexpected—there’s magic in the music here, every night of the week. 

 

Music Policy

For Staff, DJs, and Event Managers
Issued by: 1313 Estates Ltd
Effective from: 1st August 2025
 

Music is an essential part of our ethos and a true unifier, which is why we have invested in a state-of-the-art sound system, allowing you to hear the music clearly while still being able to have a conversation.

There are moments when the music is turned up for main DJ sets and live music. Our sound system is from Alcons, and we have both Vinyl Technics and a new XDJ-AZ 4-channel all-in-one DJ system. 
 

1. Purpose of This Policy
 

This policy ensures that all use of music within The Crown and Sceptre is legally compliant, ethically managed, and aligned with the venue’s commitment to providing a vibrant, inclusive, and respectful entertainment environment.

2. Music Licensing
 

The Crown and Sceptre is licensed under TheMusicLicence, which covers

PRS for Music (performing rights for songwriters and composers)
PPL (recording rights for artists and producers)

This licence allows us to play:

Live music (e.g., bands, singers, acoustic acts)
Recorded music (e.g., DJ sets, Spotify, background playlists, jukeboxes, radio, or TV)

3. DJ & Performer Guidelines
 

All performers (including DJs) must:

  1. Use legally sourced music (e.g., original digital files, licensed streaming services)
  2. Avoid pirated tracks or downloads from unauthorised sources (e.g., YouTube rips)
  3. Comply with sound level agreements and curfews as set by management
  4. Provide setlists when requested for reporting to PRS

Resident and guest DJs must sign our 
Performer Agreement and Music Compliance Form.

4. Live Music Protocols
 

For all live events:

  1. Event managers must record estimated attendance numbers for PRS reporting
  2. Setlists should be requested from bands where possible
  3. Ensure performances conclude by the agreed curfew time to remain compliant with our premises licence

5. Background Music
 

Staff are only permitted to play background music via:

  1. Approved playlists (e.g., Spotify Business)
  2. Licensed CDs or streaming platforms authorised by management
  3. No personal streaming accounts or YouTube audio may be used.

6. Volume & Sound Complaints
 

Staff must regularly monitor sound levels. Excessive volume or noise complaints must be:

  1. Logged in the Event Log
  2. Reported to management immediately
  3. Adjusted promptly to prevent licensing violations or council enforcement

7. Marketing & Music Events
 

When promoting live or DJ events:

  1. Confirm that events fall within the scope of our music licence
  2. Clearly label if the event is ticketed or open entry
  3. Provide DJ or band details in advance for internal documentation

8. Reporting and Record Keeping

  1. All music events must be recorded in the Event Music Log (date, time, attendance).
  2. DJs and live performers must submit setlists upon request.
  3. The General Manager or Events Lead is responsible for monthly PRS/PPL compliance checks.

9. Guest Conduct at Music Events
 

Refer to our Zero Tolerance Policy for expectations of behaviour during music events.

Any form of harassment, aggression, or antisocial behaviour will result in immediate removal from the premises.

10. Policy Breaches
 

Failure to follow this policy may result in:

  1. Suspension of music privileges
  2. Disciplinary action for staff
  3. Cancellation of performer contracts or bookings

11. Contacts

  1. General Enquirieshello@crownandscepter.uk
  2. Musical Director: Dave Beer (Back to Basics)
  3. Music Licensing Officer: Simon Kevan
  4. Emergency Compliance Issue: Sonia Cunha Cardante​