Music events in Sevilla are once again in the spotlight after city authorities launched an administrative investigation against the organizers of Manuel Carrasco’s concerts, held in 2023 at La Cartuja stadium. Kabuki Music SL, the company responsible for the shows, now faces serious financial consequences: a fine of €20,000 is looming.
The strict measures stem from the fact that concertgoers were required to pay €1.50 for each reusable cup used for drinks. However, when the events ended, it was impossible to get a refund for the cups—organizers offered neither reimbursements nor alternative options. This sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among attendees and led to complaints to regulatory authorities.
Violation of Consumer Rights and Legal Consequences
Sevilla authorities deemed the company’s actions to be in breach of regional and national laws protecting consumer rights. Under current Andalusian legislation, it is forbidden to require the purchase of additional goods or services without the option to refund deposits or provide a free alternative. In this case, organizers ignored both requirements, leading to their terms being classified as ‘abusive’.
Official documents note that visitors had no opportunity to refuse payment or receive a refund. This fact was a key reason for launching an administrative investigation and imposing a fine.
Financial aspects and public reaction
The amount of the fine took into account the scale of the event: concerts by Manuel Carrasco attracted up to 50,000 spectators. Despite the hefty penalty, representatives of public organizations consider it insufficient compared to the profits the company could have earned by not returning the deposit for cups. They believe current legislation allows for recovery of amounts several times greater than the unlawfully obtained benefit.
Public outcry over the situation continues. Many concertgoers express dissatisfaction, not just about the withheld money, but also about the lack of transparency in the service terms. Social media is abuzz with debates about the fairness of such practices and whether stricter controls over mass event organizers are needed.
Ongoing developments and potential consequences
At present, the decision to impose a fine is not yet final. Concert organizers have the right to appeal and present their arguments in defense. The final amount of the sanction will be determined after all aspects of the case and any appeals have been reviewed.
Seville authorities emphasize that similar cases will be given special attention to prevent such situations from recurring in the future. For event organizers, this is a clear signal to strictly uphold consumer rights and ensure transparency in all service conditions.
The incident with reusable cups at Manuel Carrasco’s concerts has become a vivid example of how even seemingly minor details can bring serious consequences for businesses. Attention to consumer rights and compliance with the law are becoming key factors for success in Spain’s entertainment market.
