I worked in a hotel where the ASCAP representatives stayed when they were in town.

They were rough! What they did is look at the newspaper and any entertainment guides or free newspapers. Then, they checked out all the places that advertised entertainment.

Club owners have some negotiating lattitude. It starts with the number of seats, but also is set by the number of musicians and the number of nights the place has music. Club owner can negotiate the fee down by claiming
that volume is lighter on some nights than others.

Club owners avoid fees on recorded music by
buying a service like Muzak which pays a national fee and passes off that cost in th monthly fee they charge the establishment.

About 10 years ago, ASCAP went after establishments that use recorded music on their hold buttons (doctors offices, etc.).

7 years ago, ASCAP and BMI intended to shut down the consumer electronics show unless exhibitors paid a liscensing fee for the playing of recorded music at trade shows.

These organizations have caused several nice venues to stop music here in Lexington.

My big wonder is how they set compensation for the writers and performers of liscensed music. How do they track music use and figure out how much to pay?

Russ