Running a successful restaurant involves more than great food and friendly service. The ambience—the lighting, décor, and yes, the music—plays a crucial role in shaping the dining experience. Background music can elevate a space from merely functional to inviting and memorable. It can influence how long people stay, how much they spend, and how they feel about their meal.

But while curating a playlist may sound simple, streaming music in a commercial setting like a restaurant comes with unique challenges—and legal requirements. Here's what you need to know to do it right.

Why Music Matters in a Restaurant

Music sets the emotional tone. A cozy Italian bistro playing soft jazz will feel very different from a modern café pumping upbeat indie pop. Studies have shown that the right music can even impact taste perception and increase sales. 

For example, slower music can encourage diners to linger longer and order dessert or another drink, while fast-paced tunes might help with turnover during busy hours.

In short, background music isn't just filler—it's a strategic part of your brand and customer experience.

The Legal Side: Don't Just Hit "Play"

It's tempting to use your personal Spotify or Apple Music account to stream your favorite playlists. But here's the catch: personal streaming services are licensed for individual use only. Playing them in your business without proper licensing is considered copyright infringement and can lead to hefty fines.

To legally play music in a public setting, you need a public performance license. These are issued by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, which collect royalties on behalf of artists and songwriters.

Licensing Options for Restaurants

There are a few ways to stay compliant:

1. Pay the PROs directly: You can license music directly from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. However, many businesses opt for all-in-one solutions that handle these fees for you.
2. Use a commercial streaming service: Services like Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, Rockbot, and SiriusXM for Business offer curated playlists specifically licensed for commercial use. These services not only ensure compliance but also provide tools to match music to your brand and schedule playlists for different times of day.
3. Royalty-free music: Some businesses go this route, sourcing music from royalty-free libraries. While this eliminates ongoing licensing fees, the music selection is typically more limited and less recognizable.

What Happens if You Don't License Properly?

Failure to obtain the right licenses can lead to surprise visits from PRO representatives and potentially large fines—often in the thousands of dollars. Lawsuits have been filed against restaurants for unauthorized music use, even when the intention was innocent.

Additionally, it's important to remember that the legal responsibility falls on the business owner, not the staff or DJ. "I didn't know" isn't a defense that holds up in court.

Curating the Right Soundtrack

Once you're set up with a legal streaming solution, give thought to the atmosphere you want to create:

• Match the music to your brand: A trendy brunch spot may favor lo-fi beats or indie pop, while a steakhouse might lean into blues or classic rock.
• Consider your customer base: Think about what your diners enjoy and what complements their dining pace.
• Adjust by time of day: Morning tunes might be light and upbeat, while dinner service might call for smoother, more relaxed sounds.

Many commercial streaming services allow you to schedule music according to the time of day or even the day of the week.

A Final Note

Music isn't just background—it's a key ingredient in your restaurant's identity. With the right legal and technical setup, music can enhance the customer experience, reinforce your brand, and even influence purchasing behavior. Invest a little time in doing it right, and your playlist could become as memorable as your signature dish.