Correction to SOCAN Tariff 4.A

Summary#

This item is an erratum from the Copyright Board that corrects wording in a previously published notice about SOCAN Tariff 4.A – Popular Music Concerts (2018-2024). The corrected notice replaces two wording problems in the English and French texts and republishes the full tariff rules. The erratum was published on October 12, 2024 and fixes a supplement first published on May 4, 2024.

What it does#

• Clarifies two wording errors in the earlier supplement: one French term is changed from “lounges” to “foyers,” and some English instances of “royalty fees” are replaced by “fees” where they correspond to the French term “cachets.”
• Republishes the corrected text of SOCAN Tariff 4.A – Popular Music Concerts (2018-2024), which sets fees for live performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at concert halls, theatres and similar venues for the years 2018–2024.
• Key practical rules in the tariff (summarized):
  • The basic rate is 3% of gross ticket receipts for paid concerts, or 3% of fees paid to performers for free concerts.
  • Minimum fees are $35 per concert for per-event reporting or $60 per year for annual reporting.
  • Users must provide reports and pay fees no later than 30 days after a concert under per-event reporting.
  • For annual reporting, estimated payments are due on January 31; a final reconciliation and report are due by January 31 of the following year.
  • Interest on late payments is charged at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (calculated daily, not compounded).
  • The tariff does not apply to online public communications, or to live performances in cabarets, cafes, clubs, restaurants, and similar establishments, or to events held mainly for dancing.
  • SOCAN may audit users’ books to verify reports.

Who's affected#

• Concert promoters, venue operators, festival organizers and anyone who puts on live popular-music concerts at halls, theatres, or open-air venues.
• Performers and artists may be affected indirectly because the tariff links fees to performer payments for free concerts.
• SOCAN (the society that collects these fees) and users who already reported under the original (flawed) supplement.
• If it is unclear whether a particular venue or event type is covered, the corrected tariff text should be consulted or the Copyright Board or SOCAN contacted for clarification.

Why it matters#

• The erratum removes confusing wording so promoters and venues know which events are covered and how fees are calculated.
• The tariff sets a predictable fee formula (3%, with $35 / $60 minimums) and reporting deadlines (30 days, January 31), which affects budgeting and accounting for events.
• Small promoters and venues should check the corrected text so they avoid underpaying or missing reporting steps that could trigger interest or audits.