Can you play CD's over the store speakers without having to pay licencing fees?

[rookie_merchant]

I run a discount clothing store in Chicago, and want to play cd's from my collection for ambiance. One of my buddies told me that I couldn't just play random music, that you have to pay licencing fees. Is that true? Thanks.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

I run a discount clothing store in Chicago, and want to play cd's from my collection for ambiance. One of my buddies told me that I couldn't just play random music, that you have to pay licencing fees. Is that true? Thanks.

My response:

It's very true. The purchase of the CD's allowed you a license for private, personal enjoyment. What you're doing is having a "public performance", something the license specifically prohibits.

The RIAA and BMI have "spotters" that go from store to store listening and, if you're not a paid licensee, you get sued. It's as simple as that.

You'll never know until it's too late.

IAAL

 

[divgradcurl]

Although you need a license to play a CD in a store, as IAAL pointed out, you can play the radio in a store without a license, subject to certain limitations. That might be an option if you have a suitable radio station in the area!

 

[rookie_merchant]

I was afraid of that being the case, the problem is that radio in Chicago is as bad as radio everywhere else. What if I make the CDs I play available for sale? I have some space that I can dedicate to used CDs. Would that make it legal?


Thanks for the replys IAAL and divgradcurl.

 

[HomeGuru]

I was afraid of that being the case, the problem is that radio in Chicago is as bad as radio everywhere else. What if I make the CDs I play available for sale? I have some space that I can dedicate to used CDs. Would that make it legal?


Thanks for the replys IAAL and divgradcurl.

**A: see the response from IAAL and divgradcurl.

 

[divgradcurl]

" What if I make the CDs I play available for sale? I have some space that I can dedicate to used CDs. Would that make it legal?"

No, merely selling CD's does not grant a license to publicly perform the musical works. You will still need a license. BMI and ASCAP provide blanket licenses for people who want to play CD's in stores and the like; you can check on their websites for info and pricing.

 

[rookie_merchant]

I'll look into getting a blanket licence or something if I can afford it. Till then, its the radio. Thank you for the advice.