After weeks of controversy and complaints from festival attendees in Mexico, the Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (Profeco) announced an agreement with the company Ocesa to eliminate the sale and charging of commissions on cashless wristbands, used as the only payment method at mass events. Health risks associated with the misuse of these cups in beverage preparation were also reported.
The head of Profeco, Iván Escalante, acknowledged a "legal vacuum" regarding the mandatory use of cashless wristbands and announced discussions with the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (Condusef) to analyze possible regulations. Escalante explained that the involved bank only acts as a sponsor and that Ocesa had control over the operation of the digital wallet.
This decision was made after various reports highlighted the financial and health problems arising from this payment system. It has been confirmed that Ocesa will no longer charge a commission for preloading or refunding money, which is a relief for consumers who usually lost part of their balance due to these practices.
Additionally, the agreement reached establishes that at festivals such as the Mexico City Grand Prix, NASCAR, EDC Mexico, Vive Latino, Tecate Emblema, ARRE, Corona Capital, and Flow Fest, cashless wristbands will no longer be sold. However, this practice generated discontent due to the difficulties in recovering unused balances, commissions of up to 30 pesos for refunds, and the imposition of additional purchases, such as reusable cups with no refund option.
