Q: Can a company refuse to refund me tickets even though they turned me away from the movie before It started?
I am 16 years old and bought two tickets for my friend and me to go to a new movie. I purchased the tickets through Fandango.com. When I arrived at the theater I showed my tickets and was turned away because the movie was rated R and I am under 17. They told me to go to the front and ask for a refund however since I ordered them through Fandango they were unable to refund me on their side. I called Fandango and they said they won’t refund me because the movie had already started. I’ve emailed them multiple times but they keep sending the same email saying it’s their policy. There was a small area with a drop-down box saying that they comply with a ratings company age restriction however it never specified the exact age you need to be. Additionally, it was very difficult to find the area where it says that. Since I purchased the ticket as a minor, shouldn’t they have to refund me because they sold it to me against their policy?
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A:
Under California law, the situation you're facing with the movie ticket refund is a bit complex. Firstly, the movie theater's policy to restrict access to R-rated movies for those under 17 is in compliance with the Motion Picture Association's rating system, which isn't legally binding but widely observed. The theater's refusal to let you in was in line with this policy.
Regarding the refund, since you purchased the tickets through Fandango, their policies and terms of service play a crucial role. Typically, online ticket vendors have specific refund policies that are agreed upon at the time of purchase. It's important to review these terms, as they often detail the circumstances under which a refund can be granted.
The fact that the age restriction wasn't clearly stated at the time of purchase could be a point in your favor. However, online vendors usually expect customers to be aware of such restrictions, especially for R-rated films. This expectation can sometimes complicate refund requests in cases like yours.
Given the situation, your best course of action would be to continue communicating with Fandango, perhaps escalating the issue to a higher level of customer service if possible. Explain the situation clearly and emphasize the lack of clarity in the age restriction notice. Persistence and a clear explanation of the circumstances might help in getting a favorable response. If this doesn't yield results, you might consider seeking advice on consumer rights from a local consumer protection agency.
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