The court gives the festival association right: only 1,400 euros punishment instead of 140,000!

The court gives the festival association right: only 1,400 euros punishment instead of 140,000!

A dramatic legal dispute about the popular Acoustic Lakeside Festival causes excitement in Carinthia. According to information from ORF Kärnten , the Finance police carried out a raid at the festival in 2023 and called for a punishment of astonishing 140,000 euros because club members were not registered. However, these had stated that they worked on a voluntary basis. The court found that the festival and the activities of the association were largely lawful, except in two cases where mistakes had occurred. Lawyer Rudi Vouk emphasized that the punishment could be reduced to 1,400 euros, which would be a significant relief for the association.

The festival, which has been taking place since 2006, is carried according to from over 350 committed members who support the event free of charge. However, the financial police have determined 192 violations that led to this threatening high punishment. Sara Pleschounig, the chairwoman, describes the situation as a threat to the existence for the club and explained that the responsibility and creativity of the members are ignored by the court. Despite the tense situation, the association plans to have the festival takes place on the beautiful Sonnegger See in 2024 and has already concluded contracts with international artists such as Calexico. In order to react to the possible punishments, precautionary measures should be taken, which means additional costs for the association and could endanger the future of its program content.