SOCAN Tariff 21 — Recreation Facilities Fee

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 21 for 2021–2022 on August 8, 2020. It sets a flat annual fee for community-run recreational facilities to play music from the repertoire of the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) during certain local events.

What it does#

• Allows a licence to perform or communicate SOCAN repertoire in recreational facilities run by a municipality, school, college, university, agricultural society or similar community organizations for the years 2021 and 2022.
• Sets an annual fee of $198.58 per facility if the facility’s gross revenue from the covered events in the licence year does not exceed $17,500.
• Requires payment on or before January 31 of the licence year, and a report the following January 31 confirming the revenue did not exceed $17,500.
• Reduces the fee pro rata if a facility operates for less than 12 months in the year (subtract one twelfth for each full inactive month).
• Exempts facilities that pay under this tariff from paying the corresponding SOCAN Tariffs 5.A, 7, 8, 9, 11.A or 19 for the same events.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit licensees’ books on reasonable notice and to terminate a licence for breach after 30 days notice. Fees are exclusive of taxes; late payments bear interest.

Who's affected#

• Local governments and community organizations that operate recreational facilities, such as:
  • municipal recreation departments,
  • schools, colleges, universities,
  • agricultural societies and similar community groups.
• Organizers of events at those facilities that would otherwise fall under SOCAN Tariffs 5.A, 7, 8, 9, 11.A or 19.
• It is not clear from the text which specific activities or unusual facility types might be excluded; organizations unsure whether their events fit these descriptions may need to check the tariff details.

Why it matters#

• Small community venues get a predictable, low flat fee for music licensing if their covered event revenue is modest.
• This can simplify budgeting for local rec centres, school gyms, fairs, skating rinks and similar venues.
• Facilities that exceed $17,500 in covered revenue will not qualify for the flat fee and may face different (likely higher) licence costs.
• The audit and termination clauses mean organizations should keep basic records and meet reporting and payment deadlines to avoid penalties.