An East Lansing Bar Is Being Sued Over Music Usage

Downtown East Lansing's bar and restaurant scene seems to have another spot embroiled in a legal battle.

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In mid September, we learned that the owner of Barrio Tacos is facing a federal lawsuit for failing to properly pay employees (amongst other things). Now, a different place is in hot water over the improper usage of music.

East Lansing Bar & Restaurant Being Sued Over Music Usage

According to the Lansing State Journal, Dublin Square Irish Pub & Restaurant in East Lansing is being sued.

The lawsuit, filled by W. Chapell Music Corp., BMG Rights Management and AF Circle C Fund, claims that Dublin Square is playing music that they don't have the licensing to play.

What are they playing that has them in so much hot water?

• "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
• "Funky Cold Medina" by Tone Loc
• "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap

The lawsuit states that the filing parties are asking Dublin Square to stop playing their music, and that Dublin could also be responsible for up to $30,000 per song in fees.

Read Related: Owner of East Lansing Restaurant Embroiled in Federal Lawsuit

Dublin Square and its parent company aren't the only entities being sued, while they are the ones in Michigan.

In a statement, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said 12 separate lawsuits have been filed against outlets performing music without paying fees.

Businesses in Kansas, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, California, and more have also been named in the lawsuit.

At the end of the day, the entities filing this lawsuit say it's "really a last resort", and what they'd really like is for the licensing fees to be paid, which equate to less than $2 a day. Read more about this legal situation HERE.