Restaurants have to have license to play music

Everyone knows you need a license to serve liquor, but did you know you also need a license to play music?

Some bar owners in Surf City learned the hard way.

Michael Pasquantonio of Mainsail Restaurant and bar was recently contacted by ASCAP and BMI — two organizations that ensure musicians collect royalties for their music.

Pasquantonio had to sign contracts with both and pay a fee. This way, he’s not liable if a live band plays one of their artist’s songs.

“It kinda stinks because we’re into the season already and we’ve already booked the bands. So we had to go and pay them for this year,” said Pasquantonio.

Pasquantonio said had he known about this earlier, he may not have booked live bands.

The fees cost Pasquantonio close to $1000 for the summer season, which is money that will be taken from his profits.