Informal Poll: Should ASCAP be targeting open mic nights?

(Photo Credit: Samantha Moranville)

A recent article brings the legal ramifications of seemingly harmless open mic nights to light. As a result of these events, the Inquiring Mind Bookstore and Cafe in Saugerties, NY has been served with a letter from the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) demanding $1,800 as a licensing infringement fee.

Why? Because many of the open mic performers choose to play popular cover songs—songs copyrighted by the company.

The average fee is usually $600 per year, but fines have skyrocketed the figure for Inquiring Mind.

Via the Saugerties Times:

“My claim is basically that there’s no money being made, and we’re not charging anything,” said owner Brian Donoghue. “Are you going to pick on a mom and pop open mic? It just seems really low.”

Vincent Candiloria, ASCAP’s executive vice-president of licensing, said that while it’s true many venues don’t charge admission, the music provides a draw that brings in customers who purchase other items — in this case books and coffee — and, in light of this, ASCAP’s fees are not unreasonable.

Which of the two sides do you agree with? Should ASCAP be targeting these events? Do you think the yearly fee is fair? Tell us below.