SOCAN Event Music Tariff (2023–2025)

Summary#

The Copyright Board has published SOCAN Tariff 11.A – Circuses, Ice Shows, Fireworks Displays, Sound and Light Shows and Similar Events (2023-2025). It sets the fee that event organizers must pay to use music from SOCAN’s repertoire at those kinds of events in 2023 to 2025: 1.6% of gross ticket receipts, with a minimum of $78.70 per event. The notice was published on November 25, 2023.

What it does#

• Sets a royalty of 1.6% of gross receipts from ticket sales for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, multimedia/sound-and-light shows and similar events.
• Excludes sales and amusement taxes when calculating gross receipts.
• Requires a minimum fee of $78.70 per event (even if the percentage would be lower).
• Applies to performances by live performers or by means of recorded music.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit an event organiser’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours to check royalty statements.
• Charges interest on late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada), calculated daily and not compounded.
• States that all amounts under the tariff are exclusive of federal, provincial, or other taxes.

Who's affected#

• Organizers and promoters of circuses, ice shows, fireworks displays, sound and light shows, multimedia events, and other similar public entertainment events that use music.
• Venue operators and producers who sell tickets to those events.
• Ticket sellers, since the fee is based on ticket receipts and may affect pricing.
• Music creators and rights holders represented by SOCAN, who receive the collected royalties.
• If it’s unclear whether a specific event fits the tariff’s list, the source does not define the boundary precisely.

Why it matters#

• Event costs: Organizers will need to budget for a royalty equal to 1.6% of ticket revenue or at least $78.70 per event. That can affect ticket prices or event viability, especially for small shows.
• Compliance and record-keeping: Promoters must keep accurate ticket-sales records and be prepared for possible audits. Late payments will incur interest at 1% above the Bank Rate.
• Income for creators: The tariff helps ensure composers and performers represented by SOCAN are paid when their music is used at these events during 2023 to 2025.
• If you run or plan an event that uses recorded or live music, this tariff determines one of the licensing costs you may face.