Music festivals will be obliged to clearly post prices of drinks and food – in euros, not tokens or vouchers – from next summer, even if they set up their own payment system, according to new guidelines agreed between the sector and the Belgian Government.
For some years now, several large Belgian festivals have used their own payment systems: Tomorrowland has been using "Pearls" for several editions, visitors at Graspop Metal Meeting pay with "Skullies", and festivals such as Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop use their own vouchers for food and drink.
These are cashless payment systems that usually use a wristband with a QR code. Festivals claim that the system ensures quick and easy payments at the site by removing the need to fumble with cash. Although this could just as easily be avoided by allowing contactless bank card payments.
Critics point out that the individualised payment methods imposed by festivals and events are not very transparent for users, who often do not know how much a drink or a meal costs in real terms. While the price per token is displayed when they are purchased, festival-goers often buy dozens at a time and are then left to figure out how much they are actually paying for their 3.5-voucher fries or 2-token glass of wine.
Unfair commercial practices
In recognition of the deliberately unclear pricing system, Belgium's Federal Government has worked with the festival sector to develop detailed guidelines.
"Use round numbers to express the value in euros and to indicate the prices," the guide stipulates. "State the amount in euros in a font of the same size and clarity as the prices in the event coins, and in the same field of view."
This will make the cost clearer to customers. Additionally, certain "unfair commercial practices" will be addressed: administration fees to recharge cashless or get a refund must be "reasonable, market-based and not generate a profit."
Related News
- Economic inspectorate investigates Rock Werchter over cashless wristbands
- Increasing number of fraudulent festival ticket sales, Belgian ministry warns
- As Belgian festivals grow yet more expensive, payment plans become available
The new rules come after the systems sparked controversy last summer, and the Economic Inspectorate launched an investigation after several festivals charged visitors administration fees to recover the money from their unused "tokens" after the event. While festivals are advised not to charge fees in future, they will still be allowed to do so, but they will not be allowed to make a profit on it.
Festivals that fail to comply with these new guidelines risk being fined. The Economic Inspectorate can start an investigation either after a complaint or on its own initiative.
