Karaoke Forums

I pose this question because I was asked by a bar owner tonight if "I was licenced and paid the licencing fee's to do Karaoke in bars". Now, I was under the impression that it was the bars responsibility to get the proper licencing agreements to have karaoke &/or live entertainment in their establishment. Am I correct in this assumption? I really hope so because in the 7 years I have been doing this, this is the first time this particular question has been posed to me. I know that certain laws vary in each state, but shouldn't the BMI & ASCAP laws be the same?, or is this a seperate entity from the ones governing the "live entertainment" laws?

Any and all responses would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Jay

It is the bar's responsibility.

what would be the specific licence that they would need to get?

BMI, ASCAP & SESAC are where they would need to obtain licenses - NOT JUST for karaoke either. They need one if they have a jukebox, live music, DJ, TV, piped in music via MUZAK, radio, etc.....

http://www.cni.org/docs/ima.ip-workshop/Massarsky.html

www.ascap.com
www.bmi.com
www.sesac.com

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Now actually in a "stand alone bar" or hotel it is the venue's responsibility. when you do karaoke venues like convention centers, private ballrooms and the like The KJ is responsible. I have had 2 near brushes with this issue myself. I hold "special event" licenses for these cases and it's worth it to CYOA. And to investigate the venues' licence situation before accepting a booking or finding out you are in violation. nothing is worse than losing a nice $1,500.00+ wedding's profit to a fine to a butthead because a venue weren't licenced or you didn't do your homework.

Go have fun and play now!

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Brian D.
(BHB)

What is the cost of a license for karaoke? I know it will vary from area to area, but is there a cost range???

Contact ASCAP, BMI & SESAC. They vary by the Venue's Capacity. (Fire Code)

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Brian D.
(BHB)

ummm the venue is the one responsible for the license..... If you are doing a private party/wedding (not open to somebody without invitation) you DO NOT NEED A LICENSE; it is not a public function

Now if you are playing at a street fair you DO NEED to get a license as the KJ

If a venue does not have a license, you as the KJ are NOT subject to be fined..... that would be like saying the band should check to be sure the bar has a valid live entertainment license..... that is the venue's job to have that license paid

the ASCAP, SESAC and BMI licensing is only for a public performance.

Next thing I am going to hear is my backyard bar-b-que when i turn the stereo on i need a license

No Midnight,
I would not tell ya that.. but maybe Mutt Lange (Shania's hubby & Producer) would if ya had Shania's CD playing over and over from a local radio station.

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Brian D.
(BHB)