The watchdog has received 1,465 complaints so far, comprising 1,163 from residents and 302 from tourists. The average amount of money involved in each case stood at HK$6,900 (US$882), with the most expensive one involving HK$92,000, it said.
“Some consumers may have gone to the bank to apply for a refund because they [paid for the tickets] with credit cards, which they are entitled to do so under the credit card mechanism,” Wong said.
Following the Argentinian footballer’s absence from a match between Inter Miami CF and Hong Kong League XI on February 4, organiser Tatler Asia said on Monday that customers who bought tickets through official channels would get a 50 per cent refund by May.
The match organiser said those seeking refunds must agree to drop any further legal complaints, claims or payment reversal requests with official ticket seller Klook.
Wong said on Tuesday that the consumer watchdog had already notified all complainants that they could proceed with their refunds without withdrawing from its complaints process.
But anyone who bought tickets from a secondary source or a scalper might not qualify for a refund, she warned.
“In the event of a dispute, refunds will usually only be given to the party involved in the transaction rather than the ticket holders,” she said.
“The Consumer Council has always discouraged the purchase of such tickets.”
Anyone who lodged complaints with the Customs and Excise Department would need to check how to withdraw their cases, she said.
The Post has contacted the department for comment.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said the decision by Tatler Asia was responsible and positive.
“The government welcomes the organiser’s efforts to fulfil its promise,” a spokesman said. “Those who intend to receive a refund should complete the procedures as soon as possible.”
Fans to get 50% ticket refund for Messi’s Hong Kong no-show by May: organiser
Fans to get 50% ticket refund for Messi’s Hong Kong no-show by May: organiser
Wong said the watchdog had reminded the organiser to avoid complicated or overly long refund procedures, and to use multiple channels to notify customers.
The organiser also needed to pay attention to transactions settled in foreign currencies to prevent disputes over differences in exchange rates.
Lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong said he received a refund notification on Monday, and he had replied to the message after reading the terms and conditions.
He said he agreed with the condition of dropping complaints, noting it was a common practice.
“This is a very reasonable approach in general settlement agreements,” he said. “Consumers still have the right not to accept [the terms] and pursue civil proceedings themselves.”
Ng suggested large-scale event organisers should explore using a name-based ticketing system in the future to prevent any confusion.
Source: scmp.com
