Bein HaMetzarim — Vocal Music in a Store
Question
I am a salaried employee in a store that belongs to a chain (I will not mention the name; I will only note that it is a chain owned by Haredi Jews). The practice is to play music throughout the year because it attracts customers to the stores. As the days of Bein HaMetzarim approach, I was wondering whether it is permitted to play music (vocal music, of course) in order to attract customers, and what the ruling is from Rosh Chodesh Av onward, and during the week in which Tisha B’Av falls.
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah.
It is permitted to play vocal music in stores until Rosh Chodesh Av.
This is because the purpose is not to derive enjoyment from the music, but to increase purchases.
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