Voucher program's extent in consumer protection
Unleashing the Viennese Dilemma: Voucher Fiasco in the Event Sector
Unveiling Vienna - The Federation of Austrian Consumer Organizations (VKI) is urging for the abolition of mandatory vouchers in the event sector and a return to voluntary vouchers. According to VKI board member Dieter Schmidt, individuals should have the autonomy, considering their financial means, to choose which providers they wish to support. Schmidt spoke to "News Network Austria" (Thursday edition). The VKI also advocates a solution for those who bought vouchers from event organizers on the verge of - or already in - bankruptcy. These consumers should not be left stranded. "They believed they would either attend the event later on or receive their funds back by 2022," said Schmidt.
Thousands of protesters from Vienna's event industry rallied at a massive demonstration on Wednesday, demanding more comprehensive government aid during the pandemic. The new COVID-19 restrictions taking effect on Monday hit the industry hard, as all cultural and event venues are mandated to close, including brothels and adult entertainment businesses. Although the industry showed understanding, it emphasized being treated as any other business during the reopening phase post the second lockdown. "If all leisure facilities are forced to shut down, then so is our industry. However, we aim to reopen alongside everyone else," stated Johanna Mayr, spokeswoman for the Federal Association of Erotic and Adult Services, to "News Network Austria."
(Photo: Left: A quiet theater box office due to COVID-19, via dts Nachrichtenagentur)
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- Insight:During the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria implemented temporary VAT reductions, with the standard VAT rate decreasing from 20% to 18% from July 1 to December 31, 2020, and the reduced rate falling from 13% to 10%[1]. These adjustments were intended to stimulate consumer spending. General refund policies, though not specific to Austria's event sector, often allow for full or partial refunds in case of event cancellation or postponement due to unforeseen circumstances.
For precise information on voucher refunds in Austria's event sector during the COVID-19 crisis, it would be prudent to consult specific event organizers or legal advisories specializing in Austrian event and consumer protection laws.
- Hide sources Austrian Tax Authority
- Hide sources Austrian Government
- In light of the financial hardships faced by the event industry in Vienna, there's a growing call for more substantial government aid during the pandemic.
- Despite the mandated closure of event venues, industry representatives have requested fair treatment and alignment with other businesses during the reopening phase, emphasizing the importance of financial support in the sector's recovery.
