Danvers Restaurant Faces Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

DANVERS, MA—The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has filed 15 separate copyright infringement actions against bars and restaurants nationwide, arising out of the unauthorized public performance of its members’ copyrighted musical works.

A Danvers restaurant is among that list. Breakaway, which is located at 221 Newbury St. in Danvers, is one of more than a dozen restaurants and bars accused of using music without compensating the songwriters.

“Music is an essential ingredient for bars and restaurants, creating a meaningful connection with patrons and an ambiance that can attract and retain customers,” ASCAP Executive Vice President of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle said in a news release. "Hundreds of thousands of well-run businesses across the nation recognize the importance of paying music creators to use their music, and understand that it is both the lawful and right thing to do."

The other businesses facing legal action by ASCAP for copyright infringement include:

• American Dream/Hangout (Omaha, Nebraska)
• The British Bulldog Pub (Columbia, South Carolina)
• Cowboy Jack's (Woodbury, Minnesota)
• Dr. Feelgood's Pub (Beaverton, Oregon)
• Gabe's Iowa City (Iowa City, Iowa)
• Hoptinger (Jacksonville Beach, Florida)
• Izzy's BBQ Lounge and Grill (Superior, Wisconsin)
• Jimmy B's Sports Bar & Grill (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Juke Box Nightclub (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
• Limerick's Tavern (Chino Hills, California)
• Main Street Music (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
• Paradise Grill (Long Neck, Delaware)
• Show Palace Gentlemen’s Club (Darien, Wisconsin)
• Tequilas Night Club (Abilene, Texas)

According to Ruyle, any business using copyrighted music can obtain permission to do so lawfully through a simple license, which covers the entire ASCAP repertory of over 11.5 million musical works. The average cost for bars and restaurants amounts to less than just $2 per day for the right to play an unlimited amount of music.

“We want every business that uses music to prosper, including bars and restaurants. After all, as songwriters and composers, we are small business owners, too, and music is more than an art form for us. It’s how we put food on the table and send our kids to school. Most businesses know that an ASCAP license allows them to offer music legally, efficiently and at a reasonable price – while compensating music creators so we can earn a living from our work and keep doing what we do best – writing music.”

ASCAP is a professional membership organization that represents more than 740,000 independent songwriters, composers and music publishers. The nonprofit handles licensing the public performances of member songs, collecting those license fees and distributing royalties.