SOCAN Hotel and Motel Tariff

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice from the Copyright Board publishes SOCAN Tariff 23 – Hotel and Motel In‑Room Services (2018–2024). It sets the royalty rates that in‑room video and music services at hotels and motels must pay to SOCAN, and lists reporting, payment and audit rules. The notice is dated July 8, 2023.

What it does#

• Defines a “mature audience film” as an audiovisual work whose main content is sexual activity and that is sold as adult entertainment.
• Sets the royalty rates for in‑room services:
  • 1.25% of the fees guests pay to view audiovisual works other than mature audience films.
  • 0.3125% of the fees guests pay to view mature audience films that include any work requiring a SOCAN licence.
  • 5.5% of the revenues of any in‑room musical service.
• Requires payments and reporting:
  • Royalties must be paid no later than 60 days after the end of each quarter.
  • Providers must report fees, titles shown, and other details each quarter (including title lists for films and product codes for music).
  • For musical services, providers must list the Universal Product Code (UPC) and the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) of recordings used.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a provider’s books on reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• Charges interest on late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (daily, non‑compounding).
• States that these amounts do not include any federal, provincial, or other taxes.

Who's affected#

• Hotels and motels that offer pay‑per‑view video or in‑room music services.
• Companies that operate or supply in‑room audiovisual systems and music services for those properties.
• Guests might be affected indirectly if hotels pass costs on through higher viewing fees.
• SOCAN, the music rights collective that collects these royalties.

If it is unclear whether a specific service or platform falls under this tariff, the notice does not provide further clarification.

Why it matters#

• It fixes how much hotels and in‑room service providers must pay to use music and show videos in guest rooms.
• Providers must keep detailed records and be ready for audits. That can add administrative work and costs.
• The extra cost may be passed on to guests through viewing fees or higher room rates.
• The rates cover the years 2018–2024, so they apply to past and ongoing service periods covered by the tariff.