Zomato Faces Backlash After Bryan Adams Concert Cash Payment Chaos
A recent Bryan Adams concert in Gurugram, India, organized by Zomato Live, turned chaotic due to payment issues. Attendees reported that food and beverage stalls only accepted cash, despite card and UPI payment systems allegedly being functional. This sparked outrage among concertgoers, with many expressing frustration at the inconvenience and questioning the motives behind the cash-only policy.
Cash-Only Policy Fuels Tax Evasion Allegations
Videos and social media posts quickly went viral, showing long queues and disgruntled customers struggling to purchase refreshments. One concert attendee, Akassh Ashok Gupta, publicly accused the event organizers of attempting to avoid paying taxes by demanding cash payments. Gupta’s detailed account highlighted a discrepancy: while payment machines were ostensibly operational, staff persistently insisted on cash, citing false internet connectivity issues. He even conducted a successful payment of ₹2,000 using digital means to challenge the claims.
Prominent Voices Join the Criticism
The incident didn’t remain confined to social media. Prominent figures, including TV Mohandas Pai, weighed in, publicly demanding an explanation from Zomato. Pai questioned the implications for financial transparency and accounting within the listed company, specifically concerning the unreported cash transactions that the policy enabled. He also raised concerns about the fairness of revenue distribution among stakeholders when cash payments were exclusively enforced.
Zomato’s Response and Market Impact
While Zomato has yet to release an official statement directly addressing these specific allegations, the incident has generated significant negative attention. The company’s stock price experienced a noticeable dip following the event, reflecting investor unease and public perception. This incident serves as a stark reminder for event organizers about the potential reputational and financial consequences of questionable cash-handling practices.
The Importance of Transparency and Digital Payments
The controversy underscores the importance of transparency and the adoption of digital payment systems. The incident highlights how seemingly small decisions, such as accepting cash exclusively at large events, can have significant repercussions, ranging from customer dissatisfaction to legal and financial ramifications. The public outcry emphasizes a growing demand for accountability and ethical business practices within the event management industry.
Looking Ahead
The fallout from this incident is still unfolding, but it raises critical questions about corporate responsibility and regulatory oversight within India’s event management sector. Consumers are increasingly aware of their rights and expect businesses to adhere to ethical and transparent payment practices. Future events will likely see increased scrutiny, emphasizing the need for organizers to prioritize cashless and transparent payment methods to avoid similar controversies.
