SOCAN Background Music Tariff (2012–2019)

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 15.A – Background Music Performed in an Establishment (2012–2019) on November 8, 2025. It sets the fees that businesses owe for playing recorded music as background during the years 2012–2019, including per-area rates and a minimum yearly charge.

What it does#

• Sets the basic royalty at $1.23 per square metre (or 11.46¢ per square foot) per year for playing recorded music in an establishment not covered by Tariff 16.
• Requires a minimum annual royalty of $94.51.
• Says payments are due no later than January 31 for each tariff year.
• If no music is played in January of a business’s first year, the fee is prorated monthly from when music first starts and must be paid within 30 days of that first performance.
• Seasonal establishments open less than six months a year pay half the standard rate.
• Requires a report showing the establishment’s area when payment is made.
• Excludes music performed as part of events such as receptions, conventions, assemblies and fashion shows.
• Notes an exemption under subsection 72.1(1) of the Copyright Act for owners/users of radio receiving sets in most places (not theatres that regularly charge admission).
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours to check statements and fees.
• States that amounts do not include taxes and that late payments bear interest at 1% above the Bank Rate (calculated daily and not compounded).

Who's affected#

• Owners and operators of establishments that play recorded background music and are not covered by Tariff 16 — for example, many restaurants, shops, bars, hotels and similar businesses (these are typical examples; the tariff itself describes “establishments” generally).
• SOCAN (the performing-rights organization) is the recipient of the royalties specified.
• It is specific to the years 2012–2019. The notice itself does not explain, in this publication, whether and how payments or adjustments for those past years are being collected or refunded now.

Why it matters#

• If your business plays recorded music, these rules determine how much you would owe based on floor area, with a guaranteed minimum fee that could be meaningful for small places.
• The prorating and seasonal rules affect new and seasonal businesses differently from year-round ones.
• The audit right and interest on late payments mean businesses should keep records and pay on time if the tariff is being applied.
• The radio exemption can matter for places that only use a radio rather than other playback systems — those uses may be outside the tariff except for certain theatres.