A Copenhagen court has begun hearing a case against Nordic bar giant Rekom and its discount app Nightpay. The companies face charges of violating Denmark's marketing laws. The case centers on thirteen five-star reviews posted on Trustpilot in March 2020. All reviews were written by Rekom employees praising their employer's own app. The Consumer Ombudsman is prosecuting the case and seeking a fine. Both Rekom and Nightpay have pleaded not guilty in Copenhagen City Court.
The Nightpay app offers members discounts at Rekom's bars and nightclubs across Denmark and Norway. The reviews described the app as 'fantastic' and 'brilliant'. The investigation started after a journalist noticed the reviews were from company employees. Four employees testified via video link on Tuesday. They worked at various Rekom bars in Jutland at the time. All four stated they wrote the reviews on their own initiative. They said no one from Rekom management asked them to do it.
One witness who worked at a bar in Vejle said, 'It was a great product to have, and I used it a lot myself when I went out.' The positive reviews were removed in November 2021. Rekom removed them after becoming aware they were written by staff. Jesper Schaltz, Rekom's finance director and Nightpay director, also testified. He stated he had no knowledge of the positive Trustpilot reviews. 'Specifically, I was not involved at all. I have been briefed on the case,' he told the court.
Prosecutor Michael Aagaard from the Consumer Ombudsman's office is leading the case. He has not disclosed the size of the fine being sought. The outcome could set a precedent for corporate marketing practices in Denmark. This case highlights the strict enforcement of consumer protection laws in the Nordic region. Danish authorities actively police misleading online marketing. Fake reviews undermine consumer trust in digital platforms. International businesses operating in Denmark must note this regulatory environment.
The case touches Copenhagen's vibrant hospitality sector and its business ethics. Rekom describes itself as the Nordic region's largest bar group. It owns numerous venues in Copenhagen's popular nightlife districts. The Øresund region's integrated economy means Swedish consumers also use these apps. A conviction could damage the company's reputation among young, digitally-savvy consumers. It also raises questions about internal compliance training at major Danish firms.
This is not an isolated incident in the digital economy. Global platforms like Trustpilot constantly battle fake reviews. Denmark's proactive legal approach contrasts with more lenient regimes elsewhere. The Consumer Ombudsman has broad powers to investigate and prosecute marketing violations. Companies often receive warnings before facing court action. The fact this reached court suggests previous compliance issues or a serious breach. The court's decision will be closely watched by the retail and hospitality sectors across Scandinavia.