[apillar]

Many people don't realize that if you open a restaurant, or any other business for that matter, and play recorded music over a sound system or even a boom box you are required to pay the ASCAP for the rights even if you own the tape/cd because you are considered to be "profiting" from the public performance of the music. According to people in the industry ASCAP is very vigilant and actually sends out agents to search for violations.

[FreeTally]

According to people in the industry ASCAP is very vigilant and actually sends out agents to search for violations.

Yep, as per my #3, I have heard the same as well. I know a guy who owns a local seafood restaurant/lounge, and some guy showed up one day and essentially said "pay me, or we will see you in court". He said its about $500 per year just to have a stereo playing.

[SamAdams76]

Many people don't realize that if you open a restaurant, or any other business for that matter, and play recorded music over a sound system or even a boom box you are required to pay the ASCAP for the rights even if you own the tape/cd because you are considered to be "profiting" from the public performance of the music. According to people in the industry ASCAP is very vigilant and actually sends out agents to search for violations.

That is correct. Many small-business owners have been terrorized by ASCAP. Mom and pop pizza parlors have been shut down over playing the radio for their customers. Even the nightclub that burned down in Rhode Island last month had pending litigation with ASCAP. Then you have the RIAA which is just as bad.

[E Rocc]

Many people don't realize that if you open a restaurant, or any other business for that matter, and play recorded music over a sound system or even a boom box you are required to pay the ASCAP for the rights even if you own the tape/cd because you are considered to be "profiting" from the public performance of the music. According to people in the industry ASCAP is very vigilant and actually sends out agents to search for violations.

Start IDing their agents and preparing "Wanted" posters.....LOL.

-Eric