Online music service for pubs

The online music streaming service Spotify is in talks about the launch of a version for pubs and bars.

Under its current licensing deals with record companies, Spotify has to make it a condition for people using its service that it will not be used for commercial purposes.

Spotify communications manager Jim Butcher said: "We're looking to obtain a licence in future, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has expressed an interest in granting us licences that would allow is to offer a version of our service to pubs, bars and businesses in general. We would still need to make amendments to agreements with collecting societies and publishers."

Butcher admitted it would be difficult to stop pubs that currently choose to run Spotify through their sound systems.

"Right now, it's not possible for us to police," he said. "We can only advise patrons who contact us that our licences don't support public use at present."

Spotify offers free online streaming of music from a selection of millions of tracks to domestic users.

The service is funded by adverts that users can block out by paying a monthly subscription of £9.99.