Testachats targets Belgian festivals over hidden fees

Consumer watchdog Testachats has filed complaints against several Belgian festivals for “illegal practices” in their cashless payment systems, The Brussels Times reports.

Les Ardentes and Tomorrowland are facing legal action for failing to include hidden fees in their ticket prices. Meanwhile, Ronquières, Paradise City, Les Ardentes, Pukkelpop, Graspop and Rock Werchter have been accused of not accepting cash payments for parking or tickets. Brosella has been accused of allowing stalls to reject cash entirely.

Despite a charter introduced this year by federal minister for Consumer Protection Rob Beenders of Vooruit, Testachats says festivals remain far from consumer-friendly.

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Many still charge activation fees and impose costly refund deductions. Others complicate spending with virtual currencies such as "pearls" at Tomorrowland and "douros" at Dour Festival. The value of these currencies rarely aligns with euros, making it almost impossible to spend balances down to zero.

Testachats highlights that events such as Francofolies and Paradise City demonstrate that it is possible to operate without hidden costs or complex conversion systems. However, the organisation warns that, until stricter rules are enforced, festival-goers will continue to face confusing, costly and, in some cases, unlawful payment practices.

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