SOCAN Skating Rinks Tariff (2026–2028)

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 7 – Skating Rinks (2026–2028). It sets music-licence fees for playing music at roller and ice skating rinks for the years 2026–2028, generally 1.2% of admissions receipts when an admission fee is charged and a minimum (or flat) annual fee of $145.24.

What it does#

• Covers the public performance of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at roller or ice skating events, whether played by live performers or recorded music.
• When an admission fee is charged: charges 1.2% of gross admission receipts (before sales and amusement taxes), subject to a minimum annual royalty of $145.24.
• When no admission fee is charged: a flat annual royalty of $145.24.
• Requires users to estimate royalties based on the previous year and pay that estimate to SOCAN on or before January 31 of the tariff year, with a report of prior-year receipts.
• Requires a final report of actual receipts by January 31 of the following year and an adjustment (additional payment or credit) based on actual receipts.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books on reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• Charges daily interest on late amounts at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada); interest does not compound.
• States that the amounts are exclusive of any federal, provincial or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Operators of public roller and ice skating rinks (commercial rinks, municipal arenas, community centres, and private rinks that charge admission).
• Organizers of public skating events or sessions where music is played, whether live or recorded.
• Rinks or events that do not charge admission still face the $145.24 annual fee.
• The notice uses the term “user” for whoever runs the venue or event; if it’s unclear who that is in a specific case, affected businesses or groups should check with SOCAN or legal/advisory services.

Why it matters#

• It creates a predictable cost for playing music at skating rinks for 2026–2028, which affects ticket pricing, budgets, and event planning.
• Small or volunteer-run rinks that operate without admission still must pay $145.24 each year.
• Operators need to track and report admission receipts, make payments by January 31, and keep records because of possible audits and interest on late payments.