Willoughby Brewing Co. named in lawsuit

Willoughby Brewing Co. faces a lawsuit from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

CLEVELAND >> An Ohiobased craft beer brewery was one of several establishments included in a lawsuit for music license fee violations.

Willoughby Brewing Co. faces a lawsuit from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The lawsuit included nine venues in New Hampshire, Nevada, New Jersey, California and Texas.

The group collects royalties whenever its artist’s songs are played in public, whether live or recorded. The organization’s executive vice president described music as “enormously valuable” in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

A general manager of Willoughby Brewing told The Plain Dealer that he’s certain that the business has paid in full. The brewery was the only Ohio location named in the lawsuit. He declined to comment on how much the brewery paid in licensing fees.

Cindy Barber, co-owner of the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in Cleveland, said Ohio businesses felt under pressure by music licensing organizations last year. She joined with owners of several other clubs to seek the assistance of copyright lawyer and former musician Mark Avsec.

“All venues are under the gun on this issue,” Barber said. She said Ohio businesses faced lawsuits of $5,000 to $8,000.

“That’s a lot of money for when you’re not really making money anymore,” Barber said.

Ohio musicians had views on both sides of the issue. Cleveland-based recording producer, Michael Seifert defended the lawsuit in a Facebook post.

“Musicians need every possible revenue stream they can get these days,” he said.