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Poland’s consumer watchdog targets Live Nation over concert baggage ban, storage fees

07.07.2025 14:30
Poland’s consumer watchdog has accused concert organizer Live Nation of imposing unfair rules that bar fans from bringing bags and oblige them to pay for on-site storage.
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Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) said on Monday it had brought six charges against Live Nation after reviewing complaints about the company’s concert and festival terms.

UOKiK said Live Nation’s regulations prohibit any “baggage” inside venues without defining the term, risking confusion over everyday items such as wallets, phones or medicine. Fans whose belongings are deemed baggage could be refused entry and lose the price of their ticket, it added.

The promoter previously allowed bags up to A4 size but changed the rule after tickets had been sold, according to the authority.

Although Live Nation offers a cloakroom, UOKiK criticized that service for lack of transparency. The company reserves the right to refuse items without explanation and publishes detailed cloakroom rules only at the venue. It can claim ownership of uncollected items and disclaims responsibility for disposal, the regulator said.

Refund conditions were also questioned. While Polish law guarantees full reimbursement when an event is cancelled by the organizer, Live Nation requires customers to apply for a refund within six months at the point of purchase or forfeit the money, UOKiK noted.

Live Nation also allows entry to be made subject to unspecified “special conditions” announced later, leaving consumers unclear about their rights, the authority said.

Each challenged clause carries a potential fine of up to 10% of the company’s turnover, UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny warned, adding that concert-goers often plan events months ahead and should not face last-minute restrictions or extra costs.

(jh)

Source: PAP, RMF24