From a practical perspective, when music is played in a business setting it is considered a "public performance", regardless of whether the music is recorded or performed live.
From a legal perspective, under section § 106 of the U.S. Copyright Act, a "public performance" is defined as the performance of music "at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of family and its social acquaintances is gathered". A public performance is deemed to have occurred regardless of whether or not the business or event location of the public performance is open to the public.
You can review a list of common licensable music uses here.
Obtain a License
Email: licensing@alltrack.com
Phone: (424) 255-1637