The Superior Court of Justice's decision applies to the entire national territory
The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) ruled this Tuesday, the 12th, that charging a convenience fee for online ticket sales is illegal.
In the market, companies charge around 15% of the ticket price in fees, and according to the ministers, the convenience is for those who produce or promote the event and not for the end consumer, concluding that the charge is a "tied sale," which is illegal under Brazilian law.
The Superior Court of Justice's decision came after an analysis of the case in which the Consumer Defense Association of Rio Grande do Sul sued the company Ingresso Rápido. In its appeal, the association argued that the charge is abusive because it offers no benefit to the consumer.
The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) also stated that companies must refund the fees charged over the past five years, but did not detail how the refund process will work, and so far only Ingresso Rápido has been affected. In theory, consumers will be able to request these amounts from the production companies. More information should be released soon.