Riverfront Times reported on February 4, 2019, that St. Louis-based JP’s Corner Bar has been sued by BMI for “allowing bands to perform copyrighted cover songs within its walls despite not being licensed to do so.”
According to the music blog written by Daniel Hill, BMI sent multiple communications to the establishment before taking this course of action.
Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, says that while this legal action is happening in another state, it could someday happen in the Keystone State.
“It’s in the best interest of an establishment to take such warnings seriously,” he said. “Those who belong to our Association can take advantage of BMI discounts as a benefit of membership. Having a music license will help establishments so that they’re not the next legal headline.”
Moran adds that PLBTA members can save up to 20 percent off annual music licensing fees (5% member discount, 5% online payment discount, 10% timely payment discount). For more info visit www.bmi.com/ede or call (800) 925-8451
In addition to a discount from BMI, the PLBTA has a number of preferred vendors offering discounts, exclusive offers, or special member pricing. To see all preferred vendors, click here.