The Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs has launched disciplinary proceedings against a major music festival promoter for alleged unfair and abusive practices at events organised across several regions of Spain.
The investigation focuses on three potential violations:
- Banning entry with outside food or drinks, combined with the inspection of attendees and the potential denial of access in an arbitrary manner.
- Restricting free exit and re-entry to the festival grounds, requiring payment of an additional fee to leave and return.
- Requiring the use of cashless wristbands for payments, while refusing full refunds of unused balances, charging administrative fees, or imposing time limits for reimbursement.
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Consumer Affairs launches disciplinary proceedings against major music festival promoter over alleged unfair practices
If confirmed, these actions would constitute a violation of Article 47.1.j of the General Law for the Protection of Consumers and Users, as they are considered abusive commercial practices. The penalties could amount to fines ranging from €100,001 to €1 million, depending on the severity of the offences.
Following the initiation of proceedings, authorities have a maximum of nine months to investigate and issue a resolution. Consumer Affairs emphasised that opening the case does not imply an immediate penalty, but marks the beginning of the process to determine whether the promoter’s conduct breaches consumer protection laws.