A copyright dispute over music usage in cafes and restaurants is escalating in Vietnam's food service industry. As it became known that businesses must pay separate copyright fees to play music, concerns among owners have increased, leading to mixed opinions among Vietnamese internet users.
According to VnExpress, a Vietnamese media outlet, many major cafes and beverage franchises in Ho Chi Minh City utilize popular playlists from online streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music for in-store music. Some owners, who pay a monthly subscription fee of 65,000 dong (about $3), believed they could use music without restrictions. However, the actual terms of service for these platforms only allow personal and non-commercial use.
Music in Cafes Considered 'Commercial Use'... Debate Over Fees
Experts explain that playing music in cafes and restaurants is not merely for personal enjoyment but constitutes commercial use that supports business operations. Lawyer Dao Tien Phong stated, "When a cafe plays music, it is subject to copyright and recording rights regulations, which creates an obligation to pay fees."
Under current Vietnamese regulation 17/2023, annual copyright fees vary based on the size of the cafe. For establishments under 15 square meters, the fee is 885,500 dong; for 30 square meters, it is 2,403,500 dong; for 50 square meters, it is 4,427,500 dong; and for 100 square meters, it can reach 9,487,500 dong. The maximum annual fee is set at 2,024,000 dong.
Some owners are expressing concerns about the additional financial burden. An owner of a bubble tea shop in Ho Chi Minh City stated that for a cafe larger than 30 square meters, applying all regulations would mean an annual cost of about 3 million dong, which is significant for small businesses with low profitability. He argued, "Playing music in the store promotes the artists and songs, making the copyright fee unfair."
In response to the article, Vietnamese internet users have shared a variety of opinions in the comments section. One of the most supported comments suggested, "Playing classical guitar would enhance the music experience and elevate people's musical tastes." Another user questioned the fairness of a system that requires additional fees while artists gain fame and advertising revenue from free content on platforms like YouTube.
However, there are also opinions suggesting that the burden of copyright fees should not be a concern. One user remarked, "You can simply not play music," adding that if profits are low, closing the business might be a solution. Another user bluntly stated, "If copyright fees are a burden, perhaps running a cafe isn't the right choice."
Some users proposed AI-generated music as an alternative. They suggested, "Just create music using AI," and warned that if fees continue, cafes might opt for AI music instead. Others argued that music is not essential, with one user stating, "Customers don't come to listen to music; they come to talk with friends," and noted that many prefer a quiet atmosphere, suggesting that individuals could listen to their own music through headphones.
Meanwhile, this controversy highlights the broader debate in Vietnamese society about balancing the protection of music creators' rights with the financial burdens faced by small business owners. Experts analyze that the food service industry is gradually moving toward a compliance management system that includes copyright considerations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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