Correction to SOCAN Concert Tariff

Summary#

This is an erratum published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on October 12, 2024 that corrects wording in SOCAN Tariff 4.A (2018-2024) — Popular Music Concerts. The notice fixes French and English wording and republishes the corrected tariff text, which sets the royalty rules for live popular-music concerts in the period 2018–2024.

What it does#

• Corrects wording in the earlier supplement:
  • replaces the French term “lounges” with “foyers” in paragraph 4(b) of the French version.
  • replaces the English phrase “royalty fees” with “fees” where it corresponds to the French “cachets”.
• Republishes the corrected version of Tariff 4.A, which:
  • covers live performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at concert halls, theatres and similar places (including open-air events) for 2018–2024.
  • explicitly includes performances by lip-synching or miming and treats featured DJs as performers when promoted as such.
  • excludes several situations, including:
    • communication of music over the internet;
    • live performances in cabarets, cafes, clubs, cocktail bars, dining rooms, foyers, restaurants and similar establishments; and
    • events held mainly for dancing where recorded music is played.
• Sets payment options and rates:
  • Per-event option: 3% of gross ticket receipts for paid concerts (or 3% of fees paid to performers for free concerts), with a minimum of $35 per concert.
  • Annual option: 3% of gross ticket receipts (or 3% of fees paid to performers for free concerts), with a minimum annual amount of $60 per concert.
• Reporting and timing rules:
  • For per-event payments, users must pay and report within 30 days after the concert.
  • For annual payments, users must estimate and pay by January 31 for the year, report the previous year’s totals, and reconcile actual amounts by January 31 of the following year.
  • Reports should include promoter and venue contact details, acts’ names (if available), and titles of works performed (if available).
• Administrative details:
  • SOCAN may audit users’ books on reasonable notice to verify payments.
  • Late amounts bear interest at 1% above the Bank Rate, calculated daily and not compounded.
  • All amounts are exclusive of any taxes or government levies.

Who's affected#

• Concert promoters and event organizers who stage live popular-music concerts.
• Venue owners and operators of concert halls, theatres and outdoor event spaces.
• Festivals and organizers of free concerts that pay performers.
• Featured performing artists and DJs (because fees paid to performers can be the basis for the calculation).
• SOCAN, as the collecting organization named in the tariff.

If it is unclear whether a specific kind of event is covered, the tariff’s exclusions (internet streaming, bars/clubs, dance-focused events) are the key distinctions.

Why it matters#

• The erratum itself is a wording correction to make the English and French versions consistent. It does not announce new rates.
• The tariff sets a predictable cost formula: 3% of ticket sales or performer fees, with small minimums ($35 per concert or $60 per concert on an annual basis). That can affect event budgets and ticket pricing, especially for small promoters and community events.
• Free concerts are not automatically exempt — fees can apply based on payments to performers.
• Organizers need to meet the reporting deadlines (30 days, January 31) and keep records because SOCAN can audit and interest applies to late payments.
• For most readers, the practical takeaway is: if you run or organize live popular-music concerts in Canada, check whether this tariff applies and factor the 3% fee and reporting obligations into your planning.