What license does a bar need for Music Bingo?
Music Bingo plays recorded music to your guests, so it is a public performance, like background music. In the US, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR license it. In the UK, PPL PRS issues TheMusicLicence. A bar that plays background music usually holds these already. Check that your cover includes a music game night. Quizado does not license music.
Quizado is software that your own staff run, or Auto-Host runs a Trivia night by itself. We never send a host.
The facts
| US licensing bodies | ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR, each for the songs of its own members |
|---|---|
| UK license | TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS |
| Does Quizado license the music? | No. The music plays in your venue under your own license |
| Pro, the first plan with Music Bingo | €89 a month |
Prices do not include VAT or sales tax. It is added at checkout, based on your country.
Why Music Bingo counts as a public performance
Recorded music played to customers outside a home is a public performance. A game around the songs does not change that: the songs still play out loud in your bar. A personal streaming account is generally licensed for personal listening, not for a room of customers.
In the US: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR
In the US, performing rights organizations license public performance for their songwriters and publishers. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR each license the songs of their own members, and a license from one does not cover the songs of another. A bar that plays popular music often holds more than one. Each of them has a license page for businesses on its own website.
In the UK: TheMusicLicence
In the UK, PPL PRS issues TheMusicLicence, one license that covers the recordings and the songs for a business that plays music to customers or staff. PPL PRS says that a business in the UK that plays or performs music will usually need it.
Check your cover before the first night
A bar that already plays background music usually holds these licenses. License terms often depend on how you use music, so a weekly music game night can change what your license should cover. Contact your licensing body, tell them you will run Music Bingo, and keep their answer in writing. Rules differ by country, so check the rules where you trade.
What Quizado does and does not do
Quizado supplies the game: the Music Bingo round, Catch That Tune questions, a card for each team, the scoring and the big screen. Quizado does not provide, include or arrange a music license. Music Bingo is on the Pro and Business plans and needs an internet connection.
Questions venues ask
Does Quizado include a music license?
No. Quizado does not provide, include or arrange a music license. The license stays with the venue, the same as for background music.
Is a personal streaming account enough?
Personal streaming plans are generally for personal listening. Check the terms of your music service and your public performance license before you play music to customers.
We already pay for background music. Does that cover Music Bingo?
Often the same licensing bodies cover it, but the terms depend on how you use music. Tell your licensing body about the music game night and ask whether your current license includes it.
Which Quizado plan has Music Bingo?
Music Bingo is on Pro and Business. You can try it in the 7-day trial of Pro or Business.
Do Catch That Tune rounds raise the same question?
Yes. Catch That Tune also plays recorded music to your guests, so check it with your licensing body too.
Try it at your venue
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