Genie - I don't have the time to get into it, but, the venue owner is either pulling your chain or doesn't really know how the ASCAP/BMI thing works. It takes years for either of those organizations to be able to bring a suit to court; and, though it probably has been done, I know of no situation where ASCAP/BMI has won in a fight with a small bar/pub venue - it's ultimately not worth their time. They are much more of a pest and a nusiance than a terror. Cheers.