In 2010, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) investigated six traders selling tickets for sports and cultural events as part of the European Sweep exercise.
The problems identified during Sweep were mainly incomplete and misleading information about the identity of the trader, the final price to be paid for the ticket bought, as well as unfair terms and conditions.
After the Sweep exercise, it resulted that one cross-border trader was in compliance with consumer legislation, while the other five needed to rectify their irregularities. Out of the five non-compliant traders, two were local and three were cross-border cases.
One local trader has already rectified the irregularities on his website and is now fully abiding by consumer law. Action is being taken against another local trader who is still not fully compliant.
Regarding cross-border cases, the MCCAA has requested the competent authorities abroad, through the Consumer Protection Co-operation System (CPCS), to take necessary action.
In fact, two cases have been closed after the changes were carried out to the websites. One case remains open as Malta still awaits feedback from abroad.
Details of the 2010 Sweep exercise were given by the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli during a press briefing in Brussels. Mr Dalli highlighted the fact that enforcement ‘sweeps’ are delivering results and are a major achievement for EU consumers.
During the exercise, competent authorities in all EU member states use a common checklist for irregularities and are encouraged to take follow-up action to regularise non-compliant behaviour and impose justified sanctions.
In fact, according to the European Commission, 88 per cent of websites selling tickets for cultural and sporting events now comply with EU law, compared with the 40 per cent figure in 2010. This is a clear indication that the exercise has been successful.
Sweep investigations will continue. A new sweep is currently being prepared and more joint actions are planned for 2012.
For more information visit http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/enforcement/sweeps_en.htm .