COVID Canned Your Concert? State Says Refunds Coming

As the result of a lawsuit filed by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, thousands of people will be receiving refunds of varying amounts.

Brown Paper Tickets Inc. of Seattle (BPT) must fully refund consumers who purchased tickets to cancelled events (due to COVID-19) and pay all monies owed to organizers of past events.

According to the AG's office Monday:

"From March 19, 2020, through February 23, 2021, the Attorney General’s Office received 1,200 complaints from consumers about the company’s conduct. An estimated 45,000 people have been affected nationwide, according to the lawsuit. Many of these consumers are organizers and attendees of small, nonprofit or community-based events, like those at community centers, schools or children’s theaters."

Most of these, say officials, have to do with smaller events like those described by the AG's office. BPT owes the average person in question about $50, although some may get as much as $1,000 or more; depending upon the event and their involvement.

Not sure if you were affected? According to the AG's office BPT is going to do the legwork:

"Consumers do not have to file a claim to receive their restitution. Brown Paper Tickets will reach out directly to ticket holders and event organizers to arrange a refund. In addition, Washingtonians will receive a letter or email from the Attorney General’s Office notifying them of their refund."

In addition, BPT will be required to process these repayments as fast as possible, with priority given to Washington state consumers. Quite a few events were cancelled due to COVID-19.