No — most bars cannot legally play Spotify or Apple Music for customers using standard consumer accounts. Streaming services are licensed for personal use only. Bars and restaurants typically need music licenses from organizations like ASCAP or BMI, or they must use commercial music systems designed for public performance.
Personal Streaming vs. Public Performance
When you purchase a Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music subscription, you are buying a license for personal listening only.
Consumer streaming platforms specifically prohibit commercial use in places such as bars, restaurants, nightclubs, retail stores, and gyms.
This is because songs are protected by copyright law, and playing them publicly requires permission from the songwriters and publishers who own the rights.
Why Music Licensing Exists
Songwriters and publishers earn income when their music is performed publicly.
Organizations known as Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) manage these rights and collect licensing fees from businesses that play music publicly.
The four major organizations in the United States are ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and Global Music Rights (GMR).
What Happens If a Bar Plays Unlicensed Music
Music licensing organizations typically begin enforcement by contacting a business and offering the opportunity to obtain a license.
If a venue continues to play copyrighted music without proper licensing, the organization may pursue legal action seeking damages and legal fees.
For most hospitality businesses, compliance is far less expensive than the risk of litigation.
Legal Ways Bars and Restaurants Can Play Music
Obtain Blanket Music Licenses
Bars and restaurants can purchase licenses directly from performing rights organizations such as ASCAP and BMI. These licenses allow businesses to play millions of songs legally from those catalogs.
Use Commercial Music Services
Some music platforms are designed specifically for commercial environments and include public performance licensing within their subscription.
Install a Licensed Digital Jukebox
Many digital jukebox systems include music licensing through agreements with performing rights organizations, simplifying compliance for venue owners.
Why Many Bars Use Digital Jukebox Systems
Modern digital jukeboxes allow customers to select songs directly from large music libraries while ensuring the music is played legally.
These systems often provide additional benefits such as customer engagement, increased dwell time, and revenue sharing opportunities for the venue.
How McGee Amusements Helps Hospitality Venues
For more than 70 years, McGee Amusements has helped bars and restaurants throughout New Jersey and New York provide entertainment systems that are professionally installed, fully maintained, and designed for hospitality environments.
From digital jukeboxes to amusement games and pool tables, McGee helps venues create engaging experiences that keep customers coming back.