Re:Sound Adult Entertainment Tariff (2024–2028)

Summary#

This notice from the Copyright Board publishes the Re:Sound 6.C – Adult Entertainment Tariff (2024-2028). It sets how much venues must pay Re:Sound when recorded music is played to accompany adult entertainment for the years 2024 to 2028.

What it does#

• It defines how royalties are calculated: the daily rate (in cents per day) is multiplied by the venue’s authorized capacity (number of people the venue can hold).
• It sets the per-capacity daily rates at 6.18¢ for 2024 and 6.29¢ for 2025-2028.
• It requires an estimated payment and report each year, with a reconciliation of actual days of operation the following year.
• It requires venues to keep supporting records for six years and allows Re:Sound to audit those records on reasonable notice.
• If an audit finds royalties understated by more than 10%, the venue must pay the audit costs and the unpaid amount within 30 days.
• Overpayments and underpayments are adjusted on the next payment; no interest is paid on overpayments.
• Late payments incur interest calculated daily at 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada); interest does not compound.
• The tariff sets basic rules about confidentiality, how notices and payments may be sent, and presumptions about when mailed or emailed items are received (mail is presumed received after four business days).

Who's affected#

• Operators and owners of places where adult entertainment is performed and recorded music is used, including single-location adult entertainment clubs, nightclubs, dance clubs, bars, and hotels (the tariff’s definition of an “establishment”).
• Re:Sound (the music licensing organization) and SOCAN are named in the tariff as parties who can receive information for collection or enforcement purposes.
• It is unclear from the notice whether very small, private, or irregular events are treated differently; the tariff applies to any “establishment” as defined.

Why it matters#

• Venue operators that play recorded music during adult entertainment will face a predictable, per-capacity daily charge for 2024–2028. That can add up over time and affect operating costs.
• The tariff requires yearly reporting and record-keeping, so businesses need systems to track days of operation and capacity figures.
• Audits and penalties mean operators who underreport can face extra costs and must be prepared to provide records.
• For people deciding whether to play recorded music or how to price admission, this changes the cost side of that decision in a small but regular way (for example, a venue with a 100-person capacity would pay $6.29 per day at the 6.29¢ rate).