SOCAN royalties for circuses and shows

Summary#

Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) published Tariff 11.A setting the royalties it can collect for music used at circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, sound-and-light shows and similar events for 2018–2022. The tariff charges 1.6% of gross ticket sales per event, with a minimum fee of $66.37, and includes rules on payment, interest and audits.

What it does#

• Covers the right to perform or communicate musical works (live or recorded) at circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, multimedia shows (including sound-and-light) and similar events in Canada for 2018–2022.
• Requires a fee of 1.6% of gross receipts from ticket sales (sales and amusement taxes excluded) for each event.
• Sets a per-event minimum fee of $66.37.
• States fees are due when the licence is granted; late amounts incur interest calculated daily at 1% above the Bank Rate (interest does not compound).
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a licensee’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours to check payments.
• Allows SOCAN to terminate a licence for breach with 30 days' written notice.

Who's affected#

• Organizers, promoters and producers of circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, sound-and-light shows and other similar live or multimedia public events in Canada.
• Venues and event operators who sell tickets and play recorded music or host live performances that use works in SOCAN’s repertoire.
• It is not explicitly clear from the notice whether very small, private, or unpaid community events are excluded.

Why it matters#

• Event organizers must budget for a royalty equal to 1.6% of ticket revenue (or at least $66.37 per event). That can affect ticket prices and event costs.
• The audit and interest rules mean organizers should keep clear ticket-sales records and pay promptly to avoid extra charges.
• Because the tariff covers 2018–2022, organizers could be affected for events already held in those years as well as future events in that window.