Thursday 8th July
As part of the Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo weekly advice column, this week we focus on your rights if an event is cancelled due to Coronavirus.
I’ve got tickets to an event at the beginning of July, but given the latest government announcements on delays to the Coronavirus rules relaxing I don’t think it can go ahead. The organiser hasn’t reached out yet to explain next steps. What can I do?
Ticket holders who change their mind about going to see an event, like a concert that is still going ahead, have no legal right to a refund.
If, however, the event is cancelled, your refund rights will depend on how you bought the ticket. Email the organiser or check their website or social media profiles to see if there’s an update about the event.
If you bought your ticket from an official seller and the organiser cancels, moves, reschedules, or makes the event behind closed doors, you should get a refund. This is the case even if it is cancelled due to a government ban on large events. The official seller is the best person to ask about how to get a refund.
If you’re having no luck getting a refund check to see if the seller is a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). If they are, you can use STAR’s complaints procedure. STAR members should receive a refund at face value if the event is cancelled and the organiser has agreed to refunds.
If you bought your ticket from a ticket-reselling website, refunds will depend on the site’s terms and conditions.
If you bought from a private seller and the event is cancelled or rescheduled then it is unlikely you will be able to recover your money. We still recommend you contact the seller.
If you’re due to go to an event, keep checking the information from the official seller or organiser to ensure you’re up to date.
Unfortunately we’ve found that in these situations scammers prey on those who are affected. If your event is cancelled and people or companies offer their services to try to recover money on your behalf, make sure that you’re wary for any potential scam activity.
For further help and advice please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Watch out for our advice column next week when we focus on support for the self-employed due to Coronavirus.
The information contained in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice Exeter is unable to respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk