"I do not believe that ASCAP has anyone on their payroll that goes around looking for venues with music."

They absolutely do I worked in licensing radio and television stations for ASCAP for twenty years and they do have area licensing managers who do just that. From their website (http://www.ascap.com/jobline/exempt.aspx#ALM):

"ASCAP Jobline
Exempt Positions

Exempt positions are salaried positions under the guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for which no overtime is paid.



Area Licensing Manager
General Licensing
Field Locations

You will act as liaison between music users and copyright owners as an Area Licensing Manager, you will call on restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses that play music in order to sell performing rights licenses."