Yeah, I understand the rational objections to a system in which the musicians pay the licensing fee. Nobody wants more fees. I'm mostly thinking out loud here, please hear it as an idea not as a lobbyist pushing an agenda. ;-)

my thinking:
Other trades that are licensed (plumbers, electricians etc) have a distinct advantage. Certain jobs can't even be bid on by unlicensed contractors. The license is money well spent, because they make way more than the cost of their license just by having it. Those with licenses can charge more for the same services, because it creates somewhat of a monopoly on their credentials.

Anybody who has ever prospected for gigs has heard "NO" at some point because the business doesn't want to open a can of worms by offering live music. Having your own license would answer that objection.

Based on the link Herb posted, I don't think the price threshold is that high given the small crowds somebody like me would play to... even if you had to pay per gig. The annual fee is even more reasonable. Like, what you might pay the roadie for one gig.

If your band were the only licensed entertainment solution in town, and you advertised as such... I have to think it would open up doors to you. Pretty soon venues would be asking the other bands "Do you have your own ASCAP license? We let ours go, so we only hire bands that have the license. You understand.. it keeps us in business..."

Nuff said.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0