Government Cracks Down on Ticket Touting
The government announced on January 10, 2025, a series of measures designed to tackle the issue of ticket touting and ensure fans can purchase tickets at fair prices. This move includes a public consultation on capping resale prices, which could range from the original price to a 30% uplift.
Enhanced Transparency and Consumer Protection
Under the new rules, ticket resellers will be required to provide more detailed information about the tickets they sell. This includes disclosing the unique ticket number (UTN) if specified by the event organiser, identifying the location of the ticket, and revealing any restrictions on the ticket’s use.
Additionally, resellers must disclose the original price of the ticket and any connections they have with the event organiser or the online facility through which they are selling.
Economic and Industry Impact
The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the secondary ticketing market, reducing the profits made by touts and making tickets more accessible to genuine fans.
This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to increase transparency and fairness in the ticket resale market.
Statistics and Implementation Details
- The proposed price cap could limit resale prices to up to a 30% uplift from the original price.
- Resellers must supply the UTN to buyers if specified by the event organiser.
- The measures aim to prevent touts from using “bots” to bulk buy tickets for resale.
Leadership Response
Fans have a right to know exactly what they’re signing up to on ticket resale websites, but all too often people are left feeling ripped off when the ticket doesn’t match expectations.
We are already taking steps to crack down on touts using “bots” to bulk buy tickets for resale.
Andrew Griffiths, Consumer Minister
The Consumer Minister’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a fairer ticket resale market.
Progress and Targets
- The Competition and Markets Authority is taking enforcement action against secondary ticketing websites suspected of breaking consumer law.
- The Advertising Standards Authority has acted to clamp down on misleading prices and charges on secondary ticketing websites.
- The government aims to continue improving conditions for consumers in the secondary market through ongoing regulatory actions.
Local and Sector-Specific Impact
The new measures will particularly benefit fans of live music, sports, and theatre events across the UK. For instance, fans attending concerts or sports matches will have clearer information about the tickets they purchase, reducing the risk of buying overpriced or invalid tickets.
Immediate Implications
The introduction of these measures marks a significant step towards a more transparent and fan-friendly ticket resale market. Fans can now expect more accurate information when purchasing tickets from secondary sellers, protecting them from rip-off prices.
Broader Significance
The government’s actions to regulate the ticket resale market reflect a broader commitment to consumer protection and fairness in the entertainment industry.
By addressing the issue of ticket touting, the government is helping to ensure that live events remain accessible and enjoyable for genuine fans, rather than being dominated by profiteering touts.
