If there’s one challenge to selecting live sports content for your bar or restaurant, it’s navigating which platform is broadcasting the content in a constantly shifting rights landscape. But for business owners, one rule remains absolute: how you view sports content at home is likely different than in your business setting.Â
For instance, if you are a bar or restaurant that desires to show UFC events in your establishment, you cannot just log into your Paramount+ streaming app that you use at home. Instead, you must purchase a license through Joe Hand Promotions. We will then deliver the signal to you through your preferred and most convenient method, namely DIRECTV for BUSINESS or streaming via the Joe Hand Promotions app. It’s exactly why we’re here: to help bar and restaurant owners understand how to stay compliant.
Let’s break down the difference between residential and commercial content viewing.
Residential vs. Commercial Viewing: What’s the Difference?
When you subscribe to a streaming service at home, that subscription is intended strictly for personal, private viewing inside your house. The pricing is built around individual consumers, not businesses that utilize the content to attract customers and generate revenue.
A bar, restaurant, casino, or any public-facing business falls under commercial viewing. Even if you already personally subscribe to a platform, that does not automatically give your business permission to show it publicly.
Why Commercial Licensing Exists
Commercial licensing protects the rights of the content owner while also creating a legal and reliable way for businesses to show premium events.
Streaming platforms, leagues, and networks negotiate separate agreements for residential and commercial distribution because the viewing environments are completely different. Bars and restaurants typically have viewing spaces that accommodate far more people than an average home. Because of this, commercial establishments are licensed and billed based on their capacity, either by Fire Code Occupancy (FCO) or Estimated Viewing Occupancy (EVO). This is one of the key differences between residential and commercial viewing.Â
Think about it this way, your bar benefits from live sports and entertainment. Big games, fights, and exclusive events drive foot traffic, increase food and beverage sales, keep customers in seats longer, and create repeat visitors. Because businesses are using the content commercially, proper commercial distribution rights are required.
That’s one of the reasons why Joe Hand Promotions exist. We understand this can be hard to navigate, and we want to help guide you on the best ways to get access, but to also provide you with the tools you need to drive fans into your venue and maximize ROI for each event.
The Bottom Line
Live sports and entertainment are powerful tools for bars and restaurants. They create experiences that bring customers together and keep them coming back. But with the rapid shift toward streaming and exclusive platform rights, it’s more important than ever for operators to understand the difference between residential and commercial viewing.
Staying informed, properly licensed, and compliant protects your establishment and allows you to confidently deliver the content your customers expect.
Ready to start your commercial-viewing experience? One of our content advisors is ready to help. Contact us today at 1-800-557-4263.Â