SOCAN Tariff 21 — Small Venues Fee

Summary#

SOCAN Tariff 21 – Recreational Facilities Operated by a Municipality, School, College, University, Agricultural Society or Similar Community Organizations (2026-2028) sets an annual music-licence fee for small recreational venues. For the years 2026 to 2028, the fee is $246.64 per facility when the facility’s gross revenue from covered events does not exceed $21,735.86, with payment and a short report due by January 31 each year.

What it does#

• Applies the tariff for the performance of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at recreational facilities run by municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies or similar community organizations.
• Covers events that would otherwise fall under Tariff 5.A, Tariff 7, Tariff 8, Tariff 9, Tariff 11.A or Tariff 19 (examples: exhibitions and fairs, skating rinks, receptions, sports events, circuses, fitness/dance instruction).
• Sets an annual royalty of $246.64 per facility for the years 2026 to 2028, when the facility’s gross revenue from those events in the year does not exceed $21,735.86.
• Requires payment of the royalty and a report confirming revenue limits on or before January 31 of the year covered (and a report on or before January 31 of the following year confirming the previous year’s revenue).
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records, on reasonable notice and during normal business hours, to verify reported revenue and royalties.
• Says facilities that pay under this tariff do not need to also pay under Tariff 5.A, 7, 8, 9, 11.A or 19 for the same events.
• Imposes interest on late payments at 1% above the Bank of Canada Rate (calculated daily, not compounded).
• States all amounts are exclusive of any taxes or government levies.

Who's affected#

• Local governments and community groups that operate recreational facilities: municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies and similar community organizations.
• Facility operators that host exhibitions, fairs, skating, receptions, sports, circuses, fitness or dance activities and that earn $21,735.86 or less from those events in a year.
• Event organizers and volunteer-run community centres that want a predictable, single annual licence fee.
• It is unclear from the notice whether larger commercial facilities or venues with higher revenues are affected beyond the stated exemption; those facilities will likely fall under other SOCAN tariffs.

Why it matters#

• Small, community-run venues get a simple, predictable annual fee instead of calculating multiple per-event licences.
• The $21,735.86 revenue threshold means low-income facilities can budget a fixed cost ($246.64) for music licensing for 2026 to 2028.
• There is a small administrative burden: an annual payment, a short revenue report, and the possibility of an audit.
• Late payments add interest at 1% above the Bank of Canada Rate, so timely payment matters.