Deputy Víctor Hugo Romo de Vivar Guerra has proposed to reform the Mexico City Commercial Establishments Law to regulate the use of cashless payment systems at festivals and concerts. The main goal of this initiative is to prevent abuses and ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose their payment method at these events.
In recent years, many large event organizers have imposed the exclusive use of cashless wristbands as the only form of payment within the venues. This has led to unfair practices such as the mandatory sale of wristbands to make purchases at the event, excessive fees for top-ups and refunds, and a lack of alternative payment options, sidelining the possibility of using cash or bank cards.
Deputy Romo emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from these undue charges and ensuring transparency in their transactions. In this regard, he mentioned: "We cannot allow consumers to continue being victims of undue charges and lack of transparency in their purchases. With this reform, we provide legal certainty to attendees of mass events, prevent excessive charges, and promote equity in access to goods and services."
Romo also pointed out that, although it was achieved that OCESA eliminated commissions and the mandatory sale of cashless wristbands at their events thanks to the intervention of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), this measure is temporary, and other organizers could continue practicing these abusive actions.
Therefore, the presented initiative proposes to amend certain articles of the Commercial Establishments Law to prohibit the mandatory sale or rental of cashless devices at festivals and concerts, as well as to eliminate fees for top-ups and refunds of unused balances. It also seeks to ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose between cash and bank cards as payment methods and to require organizers to provide clear and accessible information about the service conditions.
Deputy Víctor Romo recalled that in countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, and France, there are already laws that protect consumers from these abusive practices. In this regard, he stated: "Mexico City must be at the forefront of defending consumer rights. We want a more just and equitable Mexico City for everyone."
In summary, Romo's proposal aims to eradicate abuses and undue charges at events through legislation that ensures transparency, freedom of choice, and equitable access to goods and services for all citizens.
