Exceptional and temporary measures to respond to the pandemic have been established in the cultural and artistic area, especially regarding the rescheduling and cancellation of artistic shows.

In relation to shows, Deco highlights three different situations, as there are differences depending on whether it is a cancellation or rescheduling; if the ticket was purchased for the 2021 edition or if it is a case of tickets purchased for the 2020 edition and which were eventually postponed again to 2022.

If a festival, show or similar has been cancelled in 2020, a cancellation entitles the consumer to a refund of the ticket price and this refund must occur within 60 working days after the cancellation is announced. However, if it is a rescheduling of shows that have been scheduled for 2021, in this case there is no longer a refund of the ticket price; however, the show will have to take place by the end of 2022.

A different situation happens when a festival, show or similar, that has been scheduled for the 2021 edition (NOTE: it is not a postponed event from 2020) and then postponed or cancelled, in this case again, access to the refund for consumers was restricted. The promoter will issue a voucher that is valid until 31 December 2022 and, therefore, the consumer cannot immediately demand a refund, but if they do not use the voucher by the end of its expiry date, then the consumer can demand a refund within a period of 14 working days.

Finally, in case of events that are scheduled for the year 2020, but which will only take place in 2022, consumers now have the right to request a refund of the respective price, but please pay attention - within 14 working days of the data provided for the holding of the event in the year 2021. However, if they do not do so within this period, the ticket holders will have to accept the rescheduling of the show and lose the right to a refund.

Vouchers

Ticket holders, of festivals of 2021 that have been cancelled or rescheduled, are entitled to a voucher of the same value to the price paid, transferable to third parties and valid until 31 December 2022. If not used until that date, the holder is entitled to a refund that must be requested within 14 working days.

The voucher may be used to purchase a ticket for the same show to be held on a new date, or for other events held by the same promoter.

FAQ on postponed events

The festival I had bought a ticket for has been rescheduled. Can I be charged extra?

No. The rescheduling of the show cannot mean an increase in the cost of the ticket for those who were already ticket holders at the rescheduling date.

If I use the voucher for another more expensive event from the same promoter, do I have to pay the difference?

Yes. The voucher can be used as a partial payment, the remainder will be due. If, on the other hand, the price of the other event is lower than the voucher, the difference can be used for other events of the same promoter.

Author

Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist, who finds writing a means of self-expression. She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve. Press card: 8252

Paula Martins