[Gogar]

Jim,

This is my understanding of it, but I have never owned a restaurant or music club or anything.

Most establishments, even restaurants, are technically required to pay a yearly fee to Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI) to even play music on speakers in the restaurant.

As you mentioned, I think some services like DMX or Muzak, etc. can pay the "blanket license' for you as part of your subscription; that way you play music during dinner, no problem.

Restaurants, bars, etc. who DO NOT have a subscription service that pays this "blanket license" must be responsible for paying the yearly fee.

the yearly fee that Cabarets or music clubs pay also covers them for artists on the stage playing "brown Eyed Girl", etc.

This blanket licence (I think) also works in 'Sports Bars", where there's TVs everywhere.

There was an issue for some time where Sports Bars would buy PPV fights and events and stuff and draw a big crowd, which led to kind of a crackdown on that kind of thing.

So, anyway, I don't think you would have much of a problem playing a movie on the patio, unless you charge money for it, or advertise it as a special event or something. If there's a TV on in the restaurant somewhere, it's the same premise.

To be conpletely legal? I think technically you would need to contact the publishing company of said movie and get a clearance, and pay a small fee. I know at a church I work at they have to get clearance for any video clips that play on the jumbotron. (yes, jumbotron.)

However, I think in your situation it might be better to beg for forgiveness in the absolutely miniscule chance that someone gets upset about it.