The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has initiated proceedings against Live Nation, the company responsible for organizing concerts and festivals, due to complaints from consumers regarding its bag policy. Consumers reported that they were informed only at the entrance that their bags would be considered 'luggage,' requiring them to pay for a deposit to store their belongings if they wished to attend the event.

Live Nation's regulations prohibit bringing any type of bag, regardless of size, onto the event premises. However, the company fails to define what constitutes 'luggage,' which could lead to confusion for attendees trying to secure their personal items like phones, keys, and wallets. If personal items are deemed luggage, attendees risk being denied entry and losing their ticket refunds.

UOKiK's analysis revealed that Live Nation altered its participation rules after tickets were purchased, previously allowing bags up to A4 size. The company offers a deposit service for items classified as luggage, but the terms of this service have raised further concerns. Live Nation reserves the right to refuse items without explanation, and the deposit regulations are only available on-site, preventing consumers from reviewing them beforehand.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny emphasized that regulations should be clear and not subject to unilateral changes. Consumers often plan concert outings months in advance, and unexpected denials of entry or additional fees should not occur. The authority also questioned the inconsistency in regulations regarding the retrieval of items from the deposit, which could leave consumers unprepared.

In cases of event cancellations, consumers are entitled to a full refund, but Live Nation's rules require them to apply for a refund within six months, which could lead to lost refunds if not claimed. The company also states that participation may depend on 'special conditions' or 'specific rules,' but does not clarify how these will be communicated to customers or what rights they have in such situations.

UOKiK has challenged six provisions in Live Nation's contract templates, with potential fines of up to 10% of the company's revenue for each violation.