Manitoba hair salons are being reminded that the background music they play in their businesses comes at a price — but at least one owner says he doesn't plan to pay.

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has sent out notices to hair salons across the country, urging them to pay a licensing fee or face legal action.

The law has always required barbers and hairdressers to pay to play music CDs, MP3s or other formats in public. The licensing fee varies according to the size of the salon, with a minimum cost of $94 per year.

John Unger, who owns a hair salon in Winnipeg, was surprised to receive a letter from SOCAN in the mail. He said $94 can be a lot for a small salon to pay — but he can't see hairdressers turning off the tunes.

"For any business that promotes a relaxing atmosphere, the way we try to do, it's very important to have that background music.  If it's not there, there's a vacuum," said Unger, who has been in the business for four decades.

Unger believes most hairstylists aren't aware of the licensing fees.  He does not intend to pay his own salon's fee, assessed at $94.51 per year.

"You're not charging clients to listen to music. You're providing an atmosphere, and I just can't see salons wanting to go along with that," he said.

But SOCAN officials say they hope responsible salon owners will pay.

"Hairdressers happen to utilize music quite frequently, and so currently, we are targeting hairdressing salons to educate them on the fact that they do require a licence if they are using music," Serge Boutros, a SOCAN customer operations manager, told CBC News.

The organization approached dentists last year with the same request.

The Manitoba Hairstylists' Association plans to discuss the matter at its annual general meeting in the fall.