[Fredslist] ASCAP / BMI -assistance needed for a friend

[Stacy]

Hi Gotham!

I have a friend who owns a small restaurant where he has live musicians come in to do background music at times (a guitarist who sings, a piano player who sings). He pays BMI a fee each year. ASCAP now contacted him and asked for money. He asked me for advice. I have no idea what to tell him. Is this something he is required to pay? How much can they ask from him? What does his compliance with a fee grant him? 

I have been told that since he is not charging a cover fee for the music, but its only background, that it is not covered under ASCAP. I have also been told that because the musicians are singing songs, it is covered by ASCAP and is the responsibility of the restaurant to pay a fee.

If anyone has any insight into this issue I would greatly appreciate it. He's a good friend and I want to guide him in the right direction!

Thanks - Stacy :)


Stacy Mandel Levine
Attorney at Law

No-Fault Law: 
Claim Submission, Litigation, Arbitration 
Medical Provider No-Fault Collections
 
Israel, Israel & Purdy, LLP
11 Grace Avenue, Suite 111
Great Neck, NY 11021
Phone: (516) 829-0363 x230
Cell: (516) 445-1704
Email: StacyL79 at aol.com
 
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