SOCAN Concerts at Exhibitions Tariff

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice publishes SOCAN Tariff 5.B – Concerts at Exhibitions and Fairs (2022-2027). It sets a royalty rule for concerts held during fairs and exhibitions, including a rate of 3% of gross concert ticket sales and payment, audit and interest terms. The item was published on December 13, 2025.

What it does#

• Sets the royalty rate for public performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at concerts held during exhibitions or fairs at 3% of gross receipts from concert ticket sales (taxes excluded).
• If a concert ticket also gives access to the fairgrounds on the same day, the adult general grounds admission price is deducted from the ticket price to get the net ticket price used to calculate the royalty.
• Requires royalties to be calculated per concert and paid within 30 days after the exhibition’s or fair’s closing.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours to verify statements and royalties.
• Says amounts are exclusive of any government taxes. Late payments incur interest calculated daily at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (interest does not compound).
• The publication refers to section 70.1 of the Copyright Act as the authority for publishing the tariff.

Who's affected#

• Organizers and promoters who run concerts at exhibitions, fairs, or similar events and charge admission.
• Ticket sellers and box offices at those events (they will need to calculate and remit royalties).
• Small festivals or community fairs that charge separate concert admission or bundle concert access with fair entry.
• SOCAN, as the collecting society that will apply the tariff and may carry out audits.
• It is unclear from the notice how certain bundled or promotional ticketing arrangements beyond the specific deduction rule will be treated in practice.

Why it matters#

• It creates a clear, standard way to calculate music royalties for concerts at fairs from 2022-2027, which affects event costs and accounting.
• Organizers may need to account for an extra 3% charge on concert ticket revenue, which could influence ticket prices or event budgets.
• The audit and interest rules increase the importance of keeping accurate sales records and paying on time.
• Because the tariff covers 2022-2027, it applies to concerts held in that period, so organizers running events in those years need to know and follow these terms.