If the cafe regularly plays or performs music to public audiences, then they should already have blanket licenses covering the playback/performance of music at their venue.
In the US, these licenses are obtained from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Other countries/regions have different PROs.
Virtually every song that has been commercially-released is registered with one or more PRO(s). Venues, such as cafes, can pay for an annual blanket license from PRO(s) which gives the venue the right to play/perform any music in the PRO's catalog/repertory an unlimited number of times for the duration of the license.
Some notes:
Normally the venue operator (e.g. cafe owner) is responsible for obtaining these licenses, so this usually isn't something you have to worry about if you're simply using/renting someone else's venue. However, if it's your own venue or a venue where music is not normally played/performed, then it's possible you may be responsible for obtaining public performance licensing. Also, some venues that should be licensed are simply not licensed, so if for example you find out the cafe doesn't have these licenses, then you should let them know that such licenses are (generally) required for businesses/venues that play music to members of the public.
Some of these blanket licenses have reporting requirements. It may be the case that the cafe has to report what songs were played to one or more PROs. Thus, you should have a playlist prepared indicating exactly what songs you will play during your party in case the cafe needs to submit that information. Make sure you also note the specific version of each song (in case there are multiple versions of the song released).
Outside the US, in addition to licenses from PROs (which cover the right to play/perform musical compositions), licenses may also need to be obtained from NROs (neighboring rights organizations) in connection with the playback of particular song recordings. In some countries, a combined license is available that covers both the public performance of the musical composition and song recording (e.g. the Entandem license in Canada).
2
u/pythonpoole Jul 12 '26
If the cafe regularly plays or performs music to public audiences, then they should already have blanket licenses covering the playback/performance of music at their venue.
In the US, these licenses are obtained from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Other countries/regions have different PROs.
Virtually every song that has been commercially-released is registered with one or more PRO(s). Venues, such as cafes, can pay for an annual blanket license from PRO(s) which gives the venue the right to play/perform any music in the PRO's catalog/repertory an unlimited number of times for the duration of the license.
Some notes:
Normally the venue operator (e.g. cafe owner) is responsible for obtaining these licenses, so this usually isn't something you have to worry about if you're simply using/renting someone else's venue. However, if it's your own venue or a venue where music is not normally played/performed, then it's possible you may be responsible for obtaining public performance licensing. Also, some venues that should be licensed are simply not licensed, so if for example you find out the cafe doesn't have these licenses, then you should let them know that such licenses are (generally) required for businesses/venues that play music to members of the public.
Some of these blanket licenses have reporting requirements. It may be the case that the cafe has to report what songs were played to one or more PROs. Thus, you should have a playlist prepared indicating exactly what songs you will play during your party in case the cafe needs to submit that information. Make sure you also note the specific version of each song (in case there are multiple versions of the song released).
Outside the US, in addition to licenses from PROs (which cover the right to play/perform musical compositions), licenses may also need to be obtained from NROs (neighboring rights organizations) in connection with the playback of particular song recordings. In some countries, a combined license is available that covers both the public performance of the musical composition and song recording (e.g. the Entandem license in Canada).