One of the most common questions after introducing zones:
“Do we need to register each zone separately with our PRO?”
The reason for confusion is simple. The operational logic of zones and the legal logic of PROs are not the same thing.
First clarification: PROs don’t register playlists
PROs don’t care which songs are playing. They don’t care about genre. They don’t care about tempo.
PROs care about the use of music in a space.
In other words — PROs regulate rights, not atmosphere design.
What PROs actually look at during registration
During registration — and inspections — PROs focus on:
- Type of business — cafe, restaurant, hotel, wellness
- Square footage of the space where music is audible
- How music is used — continuous or occasional
Zones matter only if they change any of the above.
When music zones should be considered
Zones should be considered in registration if they cover different spaces.
Example: lobby, restaurant, and spa. Each of these spaces has a different function. Often different square footage. May have different usage patterns.
In that case, registration must reflect the actual state of the space.
| Situation | Relevant for PRO | Should register |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby + restaurant + spa (different spaces) | Yes | Each space separately |
| Restaurant with morning and evening music (same space) | No | Only total square footage |
| Terrace with occasional music | Yes | Terrace as separate zone |
| Event space (seasonal) | Yes | With note of seasonal use |
| Dayparting in same room | No | Operational decision, not legal |
When zones are and aren't relevant for PRO registration
Zones used independently
If music plays in one zone but not another — or is used occasionally — that can affect how registration is handled and usage is interpreted.
- Event space — used only for events
- Terrace with occasional music — seasonal or weather-dependent
- Seasonal space — e.g., summer garden operating only part of the year
Such zones shouldn’t be hidden. But they should be clearly defined in registration.
When music zones don’t change registration
Zones don’t affect registration if:
- It’s the same space
- Music is used continuously
- Zones are purely operational division — dayparting, atmosphere
Example: a restaurant with the same room but different music throughout the day.
That’s an operational decision. Not a legal change. PROs don’t care if jazz plays in the morning and lounge in the evening — what matters is square footage and continuity of use.
Most common mistake: confusing zones with square footage
The most common problem isn’t the number of zones. It’s misunderstood square footage.
How to avoid problems — practical approach
The safest approach:
- Register spaces, not playlists — PROs don’t care about content, they care about space
- Describe actual usage — including seasonal variations
- Separate legal framework from operational system — PRO is one thing, zones and dayparting are another
When these two layers don’t mix, problems disappear.
Legal logic and operational logic can coexist without conflict. PROs look at spaces and usage. Zones are a tool for atmosphere. When that’s separated, administration becomes simpler.
How professional spaces handle this
Spaces that have no problems with inspections:
- Register actual state
- Use zones as operational tool
- Don’t hide additional spaces
For them, zones don’t complicate PRO compliance — they simplify space management.
The difference is understanding whose domain is whose.
A hotel with 5 music zones — lobby, restaurant, bar, spa, gym — registers each space separately with exact square footage to their PRO. Uses zones for different atmospheres and dayparting. When the inspector comes, documentation matches actual state. Inspection takes 5 minutes.
Result: Peace and focus on guests, not administration.
Conclusion
PROs look at spaces and usage. Zones are a tool for atmosphere.
When that’s separated, administration becomes simpler. And the space works better.
Resources
- ASCAP — US performing rights organization
- BMI — US performing rights organization
- PRS for Music — UK performing rights organization
- Your local PRO website — Registration forms and fee schedules