CRFA fights proposed 350% increase in music royalties

(Jun. 17/11) As they did for 2011, Re:Sound, a collector of royalty fees on behalf of performers and music engineers, is requesting a 350 per cent cost increase for restaurants to play background music.

CRFA objected to the 2011 rate increases and discussions continue with the Copyright Board and Re:Sound. We also oppose Re:Sound’s proposed 2012 increases and will continue to fight for fair and affordable music royalties for Canada’s restaurant industry.

SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) also recently proposed administrative changes to music royalty tariffs. While the actual tariff rates affecting restaurants remain unchanged, the proposed changes involve charging licensing fees for restaurants that play background music on a television set. In previous years, this was not explicitly covered under the tariff and fees were not consistently collected. CRFA has objected to this change.

For more information on music royalties and the restaurant industry, click here.