News Summary
The Ole Irish Pub in Myrtle Beach is in the midst of a federal lawsuit filed by major music publishers including BMI for allegedly playing songs without the necessary licenses. The lawsuit highlights accusations of willful copyright infringement, with BMI seeking an injunction and damages. This case underscores the importance of proper music licensing for establishments featuring live music, reminding businesses to adhere to copyright laws.
Myrtle Beach in Legal Hot Water Over Music Licensing
In a surprising twist for music lovers, The Ole Irish Pub in the heart of Myrtle Beach faces a federal lawsuit filed by multiple music publishing powerhouses, including Broadcast Music Inc (BMI). The lawsuit takes aim at the pub for allegedly playing popular tunes by artists like Hank Williams Jr. and Brooks & Dunn without the proper licenses.
Located on Withers Drive and closely associated with The Irish Exit, The Ole Irish Pub has found itself in the legal crosshairs of BMI and eight other music companies. These plaintiffs include Howe Sound Music Publishing LLC, Showbilly Music, Tremonti Stapp Music, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Fame Publishing Company, LLC, and Southeastern Publishing, LLC. With a robust catalog cover of over 22.4 million copyrighted pieces, BMI appears steadfast in its duty to protect its clients’ music.
A Note on Copyright Infringement
The crux of the lawsuit paints The Ole Irish Pub’s actions as a case of “willful copyright infringement.” The claim is that the bar has been belting out tunes without securing the necessary licensing, a requirement for establishments wishing to host live music or even play recorded songs. The complaint specifically mentions five songs allegedly performed without a license, including fan favorites like “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr. and “Neon Moon” by Ronnie Dunn.
One standout fact? BMI insists it reached out to The Ole Irish Pub more than 50 times since May 2022 through various channels – phone calls, emails, and letters. The organization claims they aimed not just to inform the pub of legal obligations but also to educate about copyright laws. However, it seems these attempts have fallen on deaf ears, leading to this dramatic legal showdown.
What’s at Stake?
As the lawsuit unfolds, BMI is not just looking for a pat on the back; they’re seeking an injunction to halt The Ole Irish Pub from further playing copyrighted music. Additionally, they want damages and reimbursement for legal expenses incurred along the way. Notably, securing a music license through BMI isn’t an expensive affair – it typically starts at just over $1 a day, depending on the music type and the establishment’s size.
It’s essential for bars and restaurants that offer music performances to have the right licenses, usually acquired through performance rights organizations like BMI. This ensures that artists and songwriters are compensated for their hard work.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time BMI has taken action against local establishments. A similar lawsuit was filed against Pawleys Island Tavern in nearby Georgetown County, indicating that this is part of a broader effort by BMI to uphold copyright laws across the region.
As of now, The Ole Irish Pub has been quiet, not publicly responding to requests for comment about the lawsuit. The legal proceedings, filed in U.S. District Court on April 7, 2025, add a layer of complexity as both sides prepare for what promises to be an eventful legal battle.
As locals and visitors to Myrtle Beach look forward to enjoying a good night out with music, this case reminds everyone – if you’re running a bar or restaurant, make sure you’re doing it by the book when it comes to music licensing!
Stay tuned for updates as this compelling story continues to unfold in the vibrant community of Myrtle Beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Woman Sues McAlister’s Deli Over Tooth Incident
Myrtle Beach Classic Gears Up for a Star-Studded Tournament
Myrtle Beach Irish Pub Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Music Licensing Issues
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Irish Pub Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
- Myrtle Beach Online: Major News Article
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Pub Copyright Suit
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Story
- Post and Courier: ACLU Wins Appeal in North Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: Copyright Infringement
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach music licensing
- Google Scholar: Music Licensing Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Copyright Law
- Google News: Music Copyright Infringement
