SOCAN Tariff 7 — Skating Rinks (2018–2022)

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 7 - Skating Rinks (2018 to 2022), which sets how much skating rinks in Canada must pay to play music from SOCAN’s repertoire. It sets a rate of 1.2% of admission receipts with annual minimum fees of $111.92, reduced to $56.00 for 2020 and 2021, and lays out reporting and payment rules.

What it does#

• Sets royalties for the public performance of music at roller or ice skating rinks during 2018 to 2022.
• Price rules:
  • For all years except 2020 and 2021:
    • If an admission fee is charged: 1.2% of gross admission receipts (taxes excluded), subject to a minimum annual fee of $111.92.
    • If no admission fee is charged: an annual fee of $111.92.
  • For 2020 and 2021:
    • If an admission fee is charged: 1.2% of gross admission receipts (taxes excluded), subject to a minimum annual fee of $56.00.
    • If no admission fee is charged: an annual fee of $56.00.
• Reporting and payment rules:
  • Users must estimate and pay royalties based on prior-year gross admissions on or before January 31 of the tariff year and provide a report.
  • A final report of actual receipts must be filed on or before January 31 of the following year, and any adjustment paid or credited.
  • SOCAN may audit a user’s books on reasonable notice.
  • Late amounts incur interest at 1% above the Bank Rate (daily, non‑compounding).
  • All amounts are exclusive of taxes.

Who's affected#

• Operators or managers of roller and ice skating rinks that play music live or via recordings.
• Event organizers who charge admissions for skating events held at those rinks.
• Music creators and rights-holders represented by SOCAN, who receive royalties collected under the tariff.
• It is unclear from the notice whether any small or community rinks get special exemptions beyond the reduced minimums for 2020 and 2021.

Why it matters#

• Rink operators will have a predictable fee formula to budget for music costs. The minimum fee means small or free-admission rinks still face a baseline charge.
• The lower minimums for 2020 and 2021 reflect reduced activity during the pandemic years and could have eased costs for struggling rinks.
• Rinks must keep and report admission figures and be ready for possible audits, so bookkeeping and cash-flow timing matter.
• If you run or attend public skating sessions, this affects rink prices and how rinks manage music use.