SOCAN Busker Tariff for Public Areas

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice publishes SOCAN Tariff 10.A – Parks, Parades, Streets and Other Public Areas - Strolling Musicians and Buskers; Recorded Music (2026–2028) from the Copyright Board. It sets daily royalty charges for playing works in SOCAN’s repertoire in parks, streets and other public areas between 2026 and 2028 and explains reporting, audit and interest rules; the notice was published on October 11, 2025.

What it does#

• Sets a fee of $45.33 for each day music from SOCAN’s repertoire is performed in public areas by strolling musicians or buskers, or by playing recorded music.
• Caps the fee at $310.44 for any three‑month period.
• Requires users to file a quarterly report and pay within 30 days after the end of each quarter in which performances occurred.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• Excludes concert performances in parks, streets or other public areas from this tariff.
• Charges interest (non‑compounding) on late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank of Canada’s published Bank Rate on the last day of the previous month.
• States that amounts are payable before federal, provincial or other taxes and levies are added.

Who's affected#

• Street performers and buskers who play songs in public spaces using works in SOCAN’s repertoire.
• People or businesses who play recorded music in parks, on parade routes or other public outdoor areas.
• Organizers or managers of public spaces who may be asked to report or pay the fees.
• It is not clear from the notice how enforcement or exemptions for casual performers will be applied in practice.

Why it matters#

• Regular performers could face a recurring cost for days they play protected music, which may change where or what music they play.
• Small-scale or informal buskers might get an administrative burden from the reporting and potential audits.
• Event organizers and public-space managers should be aware of possible fees and record-keeping obligations if they host performers or play recorded music.
• The cap for a three-month period limits total cost but still imposes predictable charges for ongoing activity.