>>ASCAP polices bars and restaurants to insure that they have the correct license to play recorded music or to have live music.<<
I used to spend a lot of time on Harmony-central talking to other musicians about gigging and recording. One guy was playing a club that only allowed "original" bands. One overt reason was he refused to pay the ASCAP protection money. Well, they were thereatened with a cease and desist lawsuit by ASCAP because there was the RISK of someone playing a cover song (like the traditional version of Happy Birthday). The guy didn't want the hassle so he just ended live music in his club.
But you do not need ASCAP, BMI or anyone elses blessing to play live music. It just can't be copyrighted.
"I used to spend a lot of time on Harmony-central"
I used to also. Shame a person can't even post off-key, wrong tablature without getting the RIAA siced on him. ;)