Recently, the Federal Consumer Attorney’s Office (Profeco) initiated a class action against ticket master and other ticket issuers denouncing various abusive practices. Now, the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness Commission “approved two opinions that amend the Federal Consumer Protection Law, referring to the sale of tickets for public shows,” according to the Chamber of Deputies.
This Thursday, June 15, the commission of deputies agreed with Profeco. The entity cited irregularities in the sale, pre-sale and reimbursement of tickets to eventsas well as the unilateral cancellation of tickets and breach of conditions. They also mentioned that early access to the system for clients of certain banks or ‘VIP people’ is discriminatory.
This is based on the massive complaints from users for alleged abuses in the sale of tickets for the concerts of Bad Bunny, RBD, Luis Miguel, Taylor Swift and more, most handled by Ticketmaster.
Given this, legislators in Congress approved both opinions to regulate the mechanisms used by ticket companies. One of them seeks to reform federal Consumer Protection laws, while the other focuses on Antitrust laws. The two aim to curb this type of practice and conflict between companies and consumers.
“Except in cases where the service provider lacks consumer identification data or the consumer’s account to process the refund, in which case the consumer will have a period of 30 calendar days to request it from the announcement of the cancellation ”, specifies the document.
What else does the opinion say against the abuses of Ticketmaster and the ticket offices?
The regulations proposed by the commission of the Chamber of Deputies are very specific in terms of the rules that broadcasters such as Superboletos, Boletia, Ticketmaster and similar companies must observe.
The measures contemplated by the project to protect consumers and users of this type of services are:
- Suppliers may not offer access that exceeds the number of places available at the sites where the event, show or exhibition that is offered takes place.
- The digital ticket seller must inform, on its digital page, the total cost of its services, charges or commissions
- The providers will have to guarantee the entry of those who have some valid means of access, provided that it has been issued by the service provider or the third party authorized to do so.
- In the event that the events or shows are postponed, the consumer may decide whether to attend the new date or request a refund.
- When massive events are cancelled, ticket offices must refund 100% of the cost of the ticket, including the cost of the ticket and service charges.
- Refunds must be made within 30 calendar days following the cancellation, without the need for the consumer to request it.
- The ticket offices must cancel the first tickets they have delivered if they replace them with others.
The ruling also contemplates greater control over ticket sales, as well as prevention and complaint protocols to avoid hoarding and unauthorized resale of tickets. Profeco pointed out that in these cases it will impose sanctions ranging from 895 pesos to 3,502,944.91 pesos for those who offer or trade through the internet or any other physical or digital means.
This ruling has already been endorsed by 24 votes in favor and 11 against, and will now go to the Board of Directors of the Chamber to be discussed and scheduled for a vote in plenary.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.