Recorded music played for dancing generates copyright royalties, but the price depends on the tariff's structure and the venue's use. In 2026 CB 1, the Copyright Board used the last approved tariff as its starting point and applied a 24.37% inflation adjustment.
The approved amounts included $356.76, $713.50 and $1,427, depending on the venue's operating pattern. The Board also corrected wording to keep approval of a tariff distinct from the grant of an individual licence.
The Board considered objections and economic material, but concluded that the evidence didn't establish reliable trends for the specific venues using music for dancing. The decision is relevant to licensing, not a broader finding about the financial health of Canadian nightlife.