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Attorney General Josh Stein Takes Event Producers to Court for Deceptive Practices

Release date:
3/6/2018

Lantern Fest Allegedly Failed to Issue Refunds

(RALEIGH, NC) Attorney General Josh Stein today filed a lawsuit against event production companies Lantern Fest Productions and Sack Lunch Productions, alleging unfair and deceptive business practices from both companies. The lawsuit alleges that Lantern Fest and Sack Lunch planned, advertised, sold tickets to events in Fayetteville and Goldsboro while promising that tickets could be refunded up to 7 days before the event. However, once the event was canceled, the companies failed to stop selling tickets immediately and did not provide refunds to people who had purchased tickets. They have also failed to respond to repeated consumer concerns.

“Taking money for an event that never happened is unfair and unacceptable,” said Attorney General Stein. “Businesses simply can’t take people’s money, cancel their event, and then not honor a refund. I am grateful to the consumers and officials who notified my office of this issue, and I’m proud to take this action on their behalf.”

Lantern Fest is a ticketed event where attendees release aerial lanterns into the sky simultaneously. The companies were forced to cancel the events because the aerial lanterns they use are prohibited under the North Carolina Fire Code. This lawsuit comes after the Attorney General’s Office received more than 25 complaints from customers and officials about unfair and deceptive conduct.

Lantern Fest and Sack Lunch are Utah-based companies. The lawsuit is seeking refunds on behalf of everyone who didn’t receive their refund.

The final complaint can be viewed here.

Contact:
Laura Brewer (919) 716-6484

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