In response to the recent implementation of music copyright fees, numerous cafes in Dak Lak have shifted to playing instrumental music or AI-generated tracks. This change comes after the introduction of new regulations that increased the annual copyright fees for cafes and restaurants, with the lowest fee set at approximately 885,500 VND and the highest at 20,240,000 VND.

Many cafe owners in Dak Lak expressed confusion regarding the new rules and the registration process for copyright fees. For instance, An, a 45-year-old cafe owner in Buon Ma Thuot, shared her uncertainty about whether playing foreign instrumental music requires permission. To mitigate potential risks, she decided to exclusively play instrumental music since the beginning of July.

With coffee prices in Dak Lak ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per cup, An noted that any additional copyright fees could force cafes to reconsider their pricing strategies. "The competition is fierce, and raising prices without justification could drive customers away," she explained.

Contrarily, a larger cafe in Tan An continues to play popular songs, emphasizing that music is essential for attracting customers. A representative from the cafe mentioned that if regulations become stricter, they may resort to using AI-generated music or seek out free music sources. The representative also highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing between licensed and unlicensed music.

As the coffee capital of Vietnam, Dak Lak is home to thousands of cafes, each navigating the new copyright regulations differently. Some cafes have opted to show sports matches, animated films, or local tourism videos instead of copyrighted songs.

Nguyen Huu Luat, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Nhat Ward, stated that local authorities have instructed businesses in the cultural, tourism, and entertainment sectors to review their music usage. He emphasized the importance of obtaining permission and paying for copyright usage to avoid penalties.

In a recent press conference, a representative from the Copyright Management and International Cooperation Department reiterated that businesses must directly seek permission from copyright holders or their authorized representatives. They also noted that organizations authorized to collect copyright fees must publicly disclose the works and owners they represent. Conversely, users are responsible for verifying the list of works and usage duration to determine the correct payment amount.

Overall, the new copyright regulations have prompted a significant shift in how cafes in Dak Lak approach music, with many seeking to balance compliance with customer expectations.