The Government is poised to implement a ban on reselling tickets for live events for profit in a bid to crack down on touts and secondary ticketing websites. A recent consultation discussed the possibility of capping ticket prices at up to 30% above face value, but reports suggest that ministers are leaning towards setting the limit at face value with additional fees still applicable.
Various music industry heavyweights, including Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Radiohead, have been advocating for cost reductions for fans. In a joint statement, artists like The Cure’s Robert Smith and New Order, among others, have called for a cap on resale prices to restore trust in the ticketing system and enhance public access to the arts.
The move, expected to be announced soon, has received support from organizations such as Which?, FanFair Alliance, and O2. Rocio Concha from Which? praised the proposed price cap, emphasizing the importance of curbing professional touts and ensuring fair ticket distribution to genuine fans.
Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has endorsed the government’s initiative to prohibit ticket resale above face value, highlighting the importance of keeping live events accessible to fans. However, StubHub has expressed concerns that the price cap could drive ticket transactions to the black market, potentially leading to fraud and other issues.
While some ticket resale platforms caution against the proposed price cap, citing negative outcomes in other countries, the UK government’s move aims to protect consumers and promote fairness in the live events industry.