SOCAN Skating Rink Royalties (2023–2025)

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 7 – Skating Rinks (2023-2025). It sets the music royalties that skating rinks must pay when music (live or recorded) is played in connection with roller or ice skating during 2023-2025.

What it does#

• If a rink charges admission, it must pay 1.2% of gross admission receipts (before sales and amusement taxes). There is a minimum annual royalty of $130.92.
• If no admission fee is charged, the rink must pay an annual royalty of $130.92.
• Rinks must estimate royalties for the year based on the previous year and pay that estimate to SOCAN on or before January 31 of the year covered by the tariff, with a report of the previous year’s gross receipts.
• By January 31 of the following year, rinks must report actual gross receipts and pay any additional amount owing or receive a credit for overpayment.
• SOCAN can audit a rink’s books on reasonable notice during business hours to check the reported receipts.
• Late payments incur interest calculated daily at 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada). All amounts are exclusive of any taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Operators of ice and roller skating rinks that play music, either by live performers or recorded tracks.
• Municipal rinks, private rinks, seasonal rink operators and roller-rink businesses are likely to notice this directly.
• If a rink is unclear about whether it falls under this tariff, the source does not give further guidance.

Why it matters#

• Rinks will face a direct cost for using music: either 1.2% of admissions or at least $130.92 a year. This can affect small and community rinks more because of the minimum fee.
• The rule adds administrative work: estimating, reporting, and possible audits. That can require time or bookkeeping help.
• The tariff makes sure songwriters and performers represented by SOCAN are paid when their music is used at skating facilities.