Best Playlists for Restaurants (and Why You Can’t Use Spotify to Play Them)
09/22/2025
Every restaurant has a unique atmosphere. The décor, the menu, the staff, and even the lighting all play a role in shaping how guests feel. But there is one element that often goes unnoticed until it goes wrong: the music. Background music has the power to turn a simple meal into an experience. It can encourage customers to stay longer, order more, and come back again.
Many restaurant owners reach for what feels easy: Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube playlists. These platforms are familiar, convenient, and full of options. The problem is that they are not legal for restaurants to use. Playing Spotify in a commercial setting can expose your business to fines, licensing violations, and reputational damage.
This blog will guide you through the best playlists for restaurants, what to play for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night, while also explaining why Spotify is not the solution. Instead, we will show you why a licensed music streaming service for restaurants is the safest and smartest option.
Why Music Matters in Restaurants
Music is more than just background noise. Studies consistently show it has a measurable impact on behaviour.
Tempo influences dining pace: Slower music encourages guests to linger, while faster tempos move service along.
Genre shapes perception: Classical or jazz can elevate the perception of food quality, while upbeat pop can make casual dining feel more energetic.
Volume affects comfort: Music that is too loud overwhelms conversation, while music that is too quiet feels awkward.
Your playlist is part of your brand. The music you choose tells customers whether your restaurant is refined, family friendly, trendy, or relaxed.
Why You Can’t Use Spotify or Apple Music in Restaurants
Personal use vs commercial rights
Spotify and similar platforms are licensed only for personal, private use. Their terms of service make it clear: you cannot play music in a commercial environment like a restaurant.
The moment music is played in public, it becomes a public performance. Public performances require separate licensing to ensure artists, songwriters, and publishers are paid fairly. Paying for Spotify Premium does not cover this.
The role of licensing organizations
In Canada, organizations like SOCAN and Re:Sound manage public performance rights. In the United States, groups like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR do the same. These organizations collect fees from businesses and distribute royalties to artists.
When you play Spotify in your restaurant, you are bypassing that system. Even if you personally bought the subscription, you are not authorized to use it for commercial purposes.
Risks of ignoring licensing rules
Fines: Inspectors do visit restaurants, and penalties can run into the thousands.
Legal action: Repeat violations can escalate into lawsuits.
Reputation: Being caught using unlicensed music undermines your professionalism.
The Best Playlists for Restaurants
Now that you know why Spotify is off the table, let’s talk about the playlists you actually should use through a licensed streaming music service for restaurants. These playlists are tailored for commercial use, free from explicit content, and refreshed regularly.
By Time of Day
Brunch
Light acoustic, indie folk, and soft pop. Energetic but not overpowering, creating a social and upbeat vibe. Example: Acoustic Mornings or Coffeehouse Classics.
Lunch
Mid tempo jazz, smooth pop, or instrumental covers. Keeps service flowing while maintaining a lively atmosphere. Example: Smooth Jazz Lunch Hour or Feel Good Midday Mix.
Dinner
Soft jazz, piano instrumentals, and ambient soul. Encourages guests to relax, enjoy wine, and linger over dessert. Example: Romantic Dining Vibes or Elegant Jazz Evening.
Late Night or Bar Service
Funk, electronic chill, deep house, or R&B. Creates energy without drowning out conversation. Example: Lounge Beats and Cocktails or Chill Funk Grooves.
By Restaurant Type
Fine Dining
Classical, piano, or instrumental jazz. Elevates the perceived value of food and service.
Family Restaurants
Upbeat but family friendly pop and acoustic tracks. Keeps the atmosphere lively without offensive lyrics.
Cafés and Coffee Shops
Indie acoustic, lo fi beats, and mellow folk. Ideal for guests working, reading, or socializing.
Casual Dining
Easy listening, soft rock, or modern acoustic covers. Comfortable and familiar, appealing to a wide audience.
Bars and Lounges
Funk, soul, and electronic chill. Perfect for social energy and encouraging guests to stay longer.
Why Licensed Playlists Are the Better Choice
Family-friendly by default
Licensed playlists are curated to avoid inappropriate or explicit content. No need to worry about embarrassing lyrics slipping into your dinner service.
Always fresh
Unlike a static Spotify playlist, licensed services update regularly. Guests will not hear the same songs every time they visit.
Tailored for business needs
You can schedule playlists to change with the time of day or even the day of the week. Brunch can sound different from dinner, and Friday nights can have more energy than Mondays.
Compliance made easy
A licensed service handles all the legal details with SOCAN, ASCAP, and other licensing groups. You do not need to worry about inspections or fines.
Dedicated support
If your music system goes down, you have a team to help. Consumer apps simply do not provide that.
Spotify vs Licensed Restaurant Music: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Spotify or Apple Music | Licensed Music Service |
|---|---|---|
| Legal for commercial use | No | Yes |
| Covers licensing fees | No | Yes |
| Curated for restaurants | No | Yes |
| Family friendly | Not guaranteed | Always |
| Scheduling options | Limited | Full control |
| Technical support | None | Dedicated team |
| Risk of fines | High | None |
Common Myths About Restaurant Music
I pay for Spotify Premium, so I’m covered
Not true. Premium is for personal use only.
My restaurant is small, no one will notice
Licensing bodies inspect small businesses too. Fines apply regardless of size.
I already pay SOCAN, so I can use Spotify
Wrong. SOCAN covers rights, but Spotify still forbids commercial use. You need both the rights and the proper streaming service.
FAQs
Can I use my own playlists if they are family friendly?
Yes, but only through a licensed platform. Even if you hand pick the songs, playing them from Spotify is still not legal.
How much does a licensed music service cost?
Most restaurant music services are affordable and cost far less than potential fines.
Do I need different playlists for different times?
It helps. Many services allow you to schedule playlists to fit brunch, dinner, or late night.
What happens if I get caught using Spotify?
You could face fines, legal action, and reputational harm. It is simply not worth the risk.
Best Playlists for Restaurants
The best playlists for restaurants create the right mood for every service: acoustic mornings for brunch, smooth jazz for lunch, piano and soul for dinner, and lounge beats for late night. But here is the truth: you cannot play those playlists through Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. Those platforms are licensed only for personal use, and using them in your restaurant is a legal risk.
A licensed music streaming service for restaurants ensures your playlists are professional, family friendly, and fully compliant. You will protect your business from fines while creating an atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Ready to build the perfect soundtrack for your restaurant ?Contact COHM today to set up your licensed background music plan and start transforming your dining experience.
Curious about how COHM can elevate your restaurant? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We prioritize prompt customer service and guarantee a response within 24 hours.
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