Sereinora

For US restaurants, bars and hotels / Music Exposure Check

What is the music in your venue really costing you?

Ten questions, two minutes. See which music licenses probably apply, where you may be paying twice, and where you may be exposed.

Start the free check ↓

Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent. General information only — not legal advice.

01 / Why it matters

Music in a US venue is licensed several times over.

Playing recorded or live music in a business is a public performance. Songwriters' rights are licensed by performing-rights organizations (PROs) — mainly ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR — and one PRO's license does not cover another's songs.

$4,500average yearly music licensing reported by restaurant-association members
~200%rise in PRO costs per hotel 2021–2025 reported by one global chain
$750–$150,000statutory damages per song infringed (the top of the range requires wilfulness)

Sources: Bloomberg via IBJ (Jul 2025); 17 U.S.C. §504. See sources.

02 / The check

Answer for one venue.

03 / Limits

What this check is — and is not.

It applies published rules of thumb to your answers. It is general information, not legal advice, and it cannot see your contracts. Sereinora is not a law firm and does not negotiate with PROs. If you have received a lawsuit, a demand with a deadline, or a letter from a lawyer, speak to a US attorney first.

Your answers never leave your browser unless you choose to email them to us.

Sources