Banned Radio?

Question

Has anyone been contacted recently by the performing arts regarding playing a Radio in the workplace?
We've had 3 phone calls stating that we can't have a Radio playing to more than 1 person in one place unless we have a licence

Answer 1

Some workplaces require that any radios be used with headphones...but licensing ? Cite the applicable law, please.

Isn't that why they call it broadcasting- to get to as large an audience as possible ?

Answer 2

There are several organizations that collect royalties on music to whoch their members own the rights. They will try to collect royalties from any music that is played in a place of business, especially if that music is a draw of the business, i.e. nightclub, bar, restaurant.
I bar I used to frequent was told they had to pay royalties because people performed covers of other artists songs at open mic night.
I am not sure of the legality of all of this. But it is generally good to avoid being sued by the recording industry as they have shown a willingness to spend a lot of time and money to ruin peoples lives and send messages.

Answer 3

Apparently, this is the law in some places.

Answer 4

I take it you're not in the U.S....