Climate Pledge Arena to pay $477K in penalties, refunds as a result of AG Ferguson’s hidden fee investigation
SEATTLE — Climate Pledge Arena will pay $477,917 in penalties and refunds following Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s investigation into an undisclosed fee charged to thousands of Washingtonians.
From February 27, 2023, to July 22, 2023, Climate Pledge added a 3% fee to food and beverage purchases at the arena without prior disclosure. This action violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act. The investigation revealed that the fee was applied to approximately 183,000 transactions over 37 events, generating $162,917.16. The agreement is subject to court approval.
Attorney General Ferguson emphasized the importance of transparency: “Washington law is simple: If you charge a fee, you must clearly disclose that fee before someone pays it,” he said. “Climate Pledge was not doing that. Now they are paying the price.”
Ferguson initiated his investigation after a KIRO news story highlighted the issue. State law mandates clear disclosure of all fees before charging customers. However, the arena failed to disclose this fee at kiosks or through digital payments; attendees only discovered it upon requesting receipts.
Following the KIRO report and subsequent investigation, Climate Pledge ceased charging the fee. The court order ensures future compliance with disclosure requirements and allows for legal action if violations occur.
Assistant Attorney General Dan Davies managed the case for Washington.
This action is part of Ferguson’s Honest Fees Initiative aimed at eliminating hidden fees. Since its inception in December 2019, companies have paid over $9.6 million due to undisclosed charges.
Ferguson urges Washingtonians to scrutinize their bills for hidden fees and file complaints via the Attorney General’s website if necessary.
The initiative has previously led to significant settlements with companies like CenturyLink ($6.1 million), Frontier Communications Northwest ($900,000), Charter Communications (nearly $1 million), and Wave (over $1 million).
The Washington Attorney General's Office provides legal representation for state agencies and enforces consumer protection laws among other responsibilities.
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For more information visit www.atg.wa.gov.
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