The Quick, Clear Answer
If you’re hosting a murder mystery and charging money for people to attend, yes — you need a commercial license. It’s not complicated, not scary, and not optional. It’s just part of running a paid event using someone else’s creative work.
The license you need is right here (for our mysteries only! This won’t help you if you buy someone else’s mystery and OUR commercial license):
Commercial License – Single Event Use
If your event is private, free, or something like a family gathering, youth night, or classroom activity, then you’re completely fine. No license at all.
So What Counts as a Paid or Public Event?
Anything where money enters the picture, or where the public is invited. That includes:
• Ticket sales
• Paid dinners bundled with the mystery
• Entertainment offered by a business
• Events held at cafes, restaurants, libraries, or event halls
• Services where you’re paid to “run” the mystery
If you’re openly advertising your event and expecting strangers to show up, that’s commercial use.
What Doesn’t Require Licensing?
A ton of situations fall safely under regular personal use:
• Birthday parties
• Youth group nights without ticket sales
• Classroom or homeschool co-op activities
• Family reunions
• Game nights with friends
If you’re curious about what kinds of mysteries work well for private, mixed-age groups, the ideas in this guide on family-friendly mystery nights are worth browsing.
Want to try running a mystery on a tiny scale first?
Test-drive our format with a fast, silly mini mystery. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s an easy way to see how your team or planning committee responds before you commit to a full paid event.
Click Here
Why Licensing Exists (Without the Legal Lecture)
Licenses protect both you and the creator. They give you:
• Clear permission
• Rights to promote publicly
• Confidence to advertise
• No risk of copyright issues
And they give the writer assurance that their work is being used fairly. That’s it. No complicated hoops.
Special Cases: Fundraisers and Nonprofits
If the event supports a nonprofit or all the proceeds are being donated, reach out to us. We’re flexible with charitable events and often adjust licensing so groups can host mystery fundraisers without breaking their budget.
If you want ideas for a creative fundraiser setup, the tips inside this fundraiser ideas list might spark something fun.
Hosting Multiple Paid Events?
If you plan to run recurring mystery nights — whether monthly at a venue or seasonally at a community center — don’t buy several single-event licenses. Message us. We’ll work out a multi-use arrangement so you’re covered without overpaying.
What the Commercial License Actually Includes
The single-event license grants:
• Permission for one paid or public event
• Full public-use rights
• Clarity on what you can do
• Confidence to advertise and promote
It keeps everything simple and clean so you can focus on running a great show.
If You’re Thinking of Starting a Side Business
A lot of people run ticketed mystery nights as a profitable hobby — especially small venues, libraries, private hosts, and dinner event organizers. If that’s your plan, get licensed and build from there. It keeps everything above board and gives your audience a polished experience.
Final Thought (Said Like a Human, Not a Lawyer)
If money is involved, get the license. If the event is private and free, you’re already covered. And if your situation is somewhere in the middle — nonprofit or fundraiser — reach out and we can customize something that makes sense. Recurring events? Reach out and we can work to find a good solution.
Planning your first paid mystery event?
Warm up your team with our quick mini mystery. It’s a fun preview of the vibe you’ll create on the big night.
Click Here
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