SOCAN Tariff for Live Concerts

Summary#

The Copyright Board published Tariff 4.A for popular music concerts covering the years 2018–2024. It sets how much organizers must pay to SOCAN when musical works are performed live at concert halls, theatres and similar venues — generally 3% of ticket sales or performers’ fees, with minimums for small events.

What it does#

• Applies to live performances of popular music in concert halls, theatres and open-air events during 2018–2024.
• Explicitly includes performances by featured DJs and performances by lip synching or miming.
• Excludes:
  • communication of music over the internet;
  • live music in cabarets, cafes, clubs, bars, restaurants and similar establishments; and
  • events held mainly for dancing or similar activities.
• Two payment options for users (organizers or venues):
  • Per-event option:
    • 3% of gross ticket receipts for paid concerts (taxes excluded), or 3% of total fees paid to performers for free concerts.
    • Minimum royalty per concert: $35.
    • Payment and reports due within 30 days after the concert.
  • Annual option:
    • 3% of gross ticket receipts or performers’ fees, with a minimum annual royalty of $60.
    • Estimated payment based on the prior year due on or before January 31 of the tariff year, with a final reconciliation and actual-reporting due on or before January 31 of the following year.
• Reporting rules require organizers to provide names and contact details for promoters and venue owners, the acts on the bill, and titles of works performed — generally within 30 days after each concert.
• Administrative points:
  • SOCAN can audit users’ books with reasonable notice.
  • Late payments bear interest calculated daily at 1% above the Bank of Canada Rate (no compounding).
  • Fees are stated before any taxes.

Who's affected#

• Concert promoters, venue owners and festival organizers putting on popular-music concerts in concert halls, theatres and open-air sites.
• Featured DJs and the performers whose music is in SOCAN’s repertoire.
• Not intended to apply to bars, restaurants, clubs, cabarets, or events mainly for dancing.
• It’s not clear from the notice how the Board expects mixed-use venues or borderline events to be classified; those organizers may need to check the full tariff text or get advice.

Why it matters#

• Organizers must budget for an additional cost equal to 3% of ticket sales (or performers’ fees), which can affect ticket prices and event finances.
• Small or free events may be hit by the minimum fees ($35 per event or $60 annually).
• The reporting and audit rules create administrative work and a risk of interest on late payments.
• The tariff is the mechanism that helps songwriters and music publishers get paid when their works are performed live.