What you should consider, legally, before starting your first Trivia or Music Bingo event at a live entertainment venue.

Hosting music bingo at a restaurant or bar involves various legal considerations to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws, gambling regulations, and local ordinances. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

1. **Intellectual Property Rights:**

   - **Music Licensing:** Obtain proper licenses from performing rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to play copyrighted music in public. This applies to both live performances and recorded music.
   - **Bingo Content:** If you're using specific bingo cards or designs, ensure they don’t infringe on any copyrights or trademarks.

### 2. **Gambling Regulations:**
   - **Prizes:** While you're not offering cash prizes, be aware of the value of the prizes you're giving away. Some jurisdictions consider valuable prizes as a form of gambling, even if cash isn't involved. Check local laws regarding prize values and gambling definitions.
   - **Skill vs. Chance:** Understand the legal distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Games that predominantly involve skill are often treated differently than games of chance in legal terms.

### 3. **Alcohol Regulations:**
   - **Liquor Licenses:** Ensure your venue has the appropriate liquor licenses and permits to host events with entertainment activities.
   - **Responsible Service:** Adhere to responsible alcohol service practices. Avoid over-serving patrons, especially during events that involve games or contests.

### 4. **Taxation and Reporting:**
   - **Taxation:** Understand the tax implications of hosting events and offering prizes. Some prizes may be taxable, even if they are not in cash form. Consult with a tax professional to comply with tax laws.
   - **Reporting:** Depending on the value of the prizes, you might need to report the winnings to the tax authorities.

### 5. **Liability and Insurance:**
   - **Liability Insurance:** Ensure your venue has liability insurance that covers events and entertainment activities. This protects you from legal claims in case of accidents or injuries during the event.
   - **Indemnity Agreements:** Consider having participants sign indemnity agreements, releasing your establishment from liability related to the event.

### 6. **Local Regulations:**
   - **Zoning Laws:** Check local zoning regulations to ensure your venue is zoned for the type of event you're hosting.
   - **Noise Regulations:** Be mindful of local noise ordinances, especially if the event involves amplified music or loudspeakers.

### 7. **Public Safety:**
   - **Crowd Control:** Implement crowd control measures to ensure the safety of participants and staff, especially during popular events.
   - **Emergency Procedures:** Have clear emergency procedures in place, including evacuation plans and first aid provisions.

In summary, hosting music bingo at a restaurant or bar requires careful consideration of intellectual property rights, gambling regulations, alcohol laws, taxation, liability issues, local regulations, and public safety concerns. It's crucial to consult with legal professionals and relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.