The legalities surrounding the playing of copyrighted music in sports bars and restaurants can be complex yet critical to ensuring compliance and avoiding costly fines. Under copyright law, music is considered intellectual property, and playing copyrighted music in a public venue typically requires a license. Without the appropriate permission from rights holders or a performance rights organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, establishments risk facing penalties for copyright infringement.
Licensing Solutions
To legally play music in a public setting, sports bars and restaurants should secure the necessary licenses. Obtaining a license from a PRO provides venues the right to play music from a broad repertoire, ensuring they remain within the bounds of the law. These licenses often cover multiple artists and tracks, providing flexibility in music selection.
| Provider | Description | Licensing Features | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mood Media | Offers background music and messaging solutions for businesses. | Fully licensed music for commercial use. | Custom playlists, audio branding, in-store messaging. |
| Soundtrack Your Brand | Streaming service designed specifically for businesses. | Provides fully licensed music for commercial environments. | Extensive music library, customizable playlists, offline mode. |
| Rockbot | Streaming music and media solution for businesses. | Fully licensed; covers all major performance rights organizations (PROs). | Customer music requests via mobile app, social media integration. |
| SiriusXM Music for Business | Satellite and internet radio services tailored for commercial settings. | Licensed for business use; covers necessary royalties. | Wide variety of channels, music and talk radio, hardware options. |
| Pandora for Business | Curated music stations for commercial environments through Mood Media partnership. | Licensed for commercial use. | Personalized stations, simple setup, hardware included. |
| Cloud Cover Music | Streaming music service with scheduling features for businesses. | Fully licensed music covering PROs like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC. | Custom playlists, dayparting, overhead messaging integration. |
| PlayNetwork | Provides custom music solutions and content for brands. | Fully licensed music for commercial spaces. | Brand-specific playlists, global reach, expert curation. |
| TouchTunes | Interactive digital jukebox system for bars and restaurants. | Licensed music with customer interaction via mobile app. | Customers select music, interactive entertainment options. |
| Custom Channels | Offers curated music solutions for businesses. | Fully licensed music for commercial use. | Custom playlists, brand alignment, music scheduling. |
| Jukebox Services (e.g., AMI Entertainment) | Traditional jukebox services with licensing included. | Covers necessary music licenses for jukebox use. | Physical jukebox setup, customer-selected music. |
Additional Considerations:
- Licensing Compliance: Ensure the provider covers all necessary performance rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the U.S.
- Content Control: Choose a service that allows you to control the type of music to match your brand and customer preferences.
- Hardware Requirements: Some services may require specific hardware (e.g., satellite receivers, dedicated players), while others may work with existing devices.
- Interactive Features: Consider if you want customers to have the ability to make song requests or interact with the music selection.
- Cost: Pricing can vary based on service level, features, and the size of your establishment. It’s advisable to contact providers directly for detailed pricing.
Note: It’s important to ensure that any music played in a commercial setting like a restaurant or sports bar is properly licensed. Using personal streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music for public playback is against their terms of service and may result in legal penalties.
Licensing Considerations
When setting up music in your sports bar or restaurant, there are several things to keep in mind to enhance the customer experience while staying compliant. First, ensure that your music provider handles all the necessary legalities by covering performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the U.S. This ensures you’re playing music legally.
Next, you’ll want the ability to tailor the music to fit your establishment’s vibe and your customers’ tastes, so look for a service that offers control over the type of music it provides. On the technical side, be aware that some services might require special hardware, such as satellite receivers or dedicated music players. Others can work seamlessly with devices you already have. Also, think about whether you want to offer interactive elements, such as letting patrons request songs, which can boost engagement.
Lastly, consider the costs involved, as they can vary depending on the features, service level, and the size of your place. Reaching out to providers for detailed pricing information is a smart move.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
For establishments concerned about budget constraints, there are several cost-effective alternatives to explore. One option is using royalty-free music or a subscription service that offers pre-cleared tracks for commercial use at a lower cost. Additionally, some PROs offer scalable pricing based on the size and capacity of the venue, making it feasible for smaller operations to acquire licenses. Furthermore, partnering with local musicians for live performances not only supports local talent but can also reduce licensing fees, as performers often manage the rights to their own work.
| Provider | Description | Licensing Features | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamendo Licensing | Offers royalty-free music licenses for commercial use. | Music licensed directly from artists, covering commercial usage rights. | Wide range of genres, easy licensing, cost-effective. |
| Epidemic Sound | Provides a library of royalty-free music for businesses. | All rights included; covers public performance in establishments. | High-quality tracks, simple subscription model, new music added regularly. |
| Soundstripe | Unlimited royalty-free music for businesses through subscriptions. | Full licensing for commercial use, including public spaces. | Unlimited downloads, curated playlists, user-friendly interface. |
| Overhead.fm | Streaming licensed music for businesses at affordable rates. | Fully licensed music, covers necessary PRO fees. | Customizable playlists, scheduling, no long-term contracts. |
| Qsic | Music streaming service that curates playlists for businesses. | Fully licensed music for commercial environments. | Data-driven curation, integrates with POS systems for analytics. |
| Sensory Muzak | Background music solutions tailored for businesses. | Licensed music covering all necessary public performance rights. | Custom music programming, easy integration, mood-based playlists. |
| Auracle Sound | Offers music solutions with licensing for commercial spaces. | All necessary licenses included for business use. | Custom playlists, remote management, affordable pricing. |
| Stingray Music for Business | Provides licensed background music for various business types. | Covers all PRO fees and licensing requirements. | Extensive music library, customizable channels, digital signage integration. |
| Open Ear Music | Delivers curated music playlists for businesses. | Fully licensed for commercial use, including public performance. | Custom curation, app control, regular updates. |
| Prescriptive Music | Specializes in custom music programming for businesses. | Provides all necessary licenses for commercial playback. | Brand-focused playlists, expert curation, international availability. |
Additional Considerations:
- Verify Licensing: Always ensure that the provider covers all necessary licenses for commercial use, including public performance rights.
- Hardware Compatibility: Opt for services that are compatible with your existing hardware to minimize costs.
- Customization: Many of these services offer custom playlist creation to better match your brand and customer preferences.
- Trial Periods: Consider providers that offer free trials or demo periods to evaluate the service before committing.
- Cost Transparency: Look for providers with clear pricing structures to avoid hidden fees.
Note: When selecting a budget-friendly music solution, it’s crucial to maintain compliance with music licensing laws to avoid potential legal issues. Avoid using personal streaming accounts or unlicensed music sources in your establishment.
Conclusion
By understanding and navigating the legal landscape of music rights, sports bars and restaurants can create a lively atmosphere while ensuring compliance, thus enhancing the customer experience responsibly and economically.
