Commercial venues also need a license to just play music from the radio, too. Most small businesses NEVER believe this, until the friendly (!) local travelling ASCAP/BMI rep apprehends them...
So what you are saying is that if I have a small retail business, that I can't play our local radio station in my store without obtaining permission or permit from ASCAP/BMI. Well, if that is the case, then I think I will just take my chances. THOUSANDS of business do it everyday. Are the going to arrest EVERY SINGLE one of us. Doubtful.