SOCAN Tariff 18: Fees for Dancing Music

Summary#

Copyright Board published the SOCAN Tariff 18 – Recorded Music for Dancing (2023-2025) setting fixed annual fees for playing recorded music for dancing by patrons in certain venues. The tariff lists fee amounts, how fees rise with room capacity, payment timing, interest on late payments, and audit rights.

What it does#

• Sets annual royalties for venues that play recorded music for patrons to dance, for the years 2023–2025 under SOCAN Tariff 18 – Recorded Music for Dancing (2023-2025).
• For premises that hold 100 patrons or fewer, the annual fees are:
  • If open up to 6 months and operating 1–3 days per week: $356.76.
  • If open up to 6 months and operating 4–7 days per week: $713.50.
  • If open more than 6 months and operating 1–3 days per week: $713.50.
  • If open more than 6 months and operating 4–7 days per week: $1,427.00.
• For premises with more than 100 patrons:
  • A venue with 101–120 patrons pays 10% more than the amounts above.
  • For each additional capacity increase of up to 20 patrons, add another 10% (based on the amounts above).
• Payment and reporting:
  • The establishment must pay the applicable royalties and report room capacity no later than January 31 of the year covered by the tariff.
  • All amounts are exclusive of taxes.
• Late payment and audits:
  • Late amounts earn interest at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate effective on the last day of the previous month. Interest is calculated daily and does not compound.
  • SOCAN may audit a user’s books and records, with reasonable notice, during normal business hours to verify statements and royalties.
• Exclusions:
  • The tariff does not cover music that other SOCAN tariffs cover, such as concerts or music used as part of receptions, conventions, assemblies, or fashion shows.

Who's affected#

• Owners and managers of places that play recorded music for customers to dance, including bars, cabarets, restaurants, taverns, clubs, dining rooms, discotheques, dance halls, ballrooms, and similar premises.
• Venues with capacity above 100 patrons are explicitly affected by the percentage increases.
• Event organizers of concerts or other events likely covered by different SOCAN tariffs are not affected by these fees.
• It is not fully clear from the notice whether certain outdoor or temporary setups fall under this tariff; the phrase “similar premises” leaves some uncertainty.

Why it matters#

• This sets predictable, specific annual costs for businesses that run recorded-music dancing, so venue operators can budget for licensing fees.
• Fees vary by how often and how long a venue operates, and they rise with room capacity, so small venues pay less than larger ones.
• Missing the January 31 payment deadline can trigger daily interest charges and possible audits, which could add unexpected costs.
• If you run or plan events in a venue, check whether this tariff applies or whether another SOCAN tariff covers your activity.