Entertainment website

I am new to this forum and I was hoping that someone could direct me in the right direction. I am in the process of creating a website that allows users to read information on local clubs, bars and restaurants. I plan to make individual pages for each venue/establishment listing information such as:
1. a short description
2. address of the establishment/venue
3. average price
4. upcoming events
5. a rating system that allows members of the site to rate the establishment
6. three to four pictures of the establishment i.e. a picture of a dish, their sign, the general look of the venue, etc.

I am a little confused on if I am required legally to ask the establishment for permission to list them on the site. We wrote up a waiver along with print of the general layout of the site and we assure all the venues that our service is free but recently we have been turned down by several places. Most of the time they just say that they are busy and don't have time to talk to us but some places seem to be afraid that our service might hurt their image or something. So my question is, are we going down the wrong road on this? Would it be better to just list the places without asking and only take a picture of the sign they post outside the venue? If we do that then all of the information we are posting is public information and anyone can post it right? Can anyone give any advice on this?

I believe that the more 'personal' you make each venue's page, the more likely you can hurt their image. If you simply stated the facts, I can't see why they'd prefer to stay off your site; it would be just one more way their customers can see them.

If I were doing it, I'd put them on without asking, but leave a link that is noticeable enough stating something like, "Remove your venue", or something like that.

Absolutely no issues with posting information like that unless you plan to slander them. I don't know why you would want to advertise businesses for free anyway. If you'd rather call and they don't want listed, Fem... leave them out. Who wouldn't want free advertising! Morons!