LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — The UK Government is considering a series of rule changes for event ticketing, including a cap of up to 30% above face value on ticket resales, increased accountability for resale platforms, and strengthened enforcement through updated legislation and fines.
These potential changes were announced as part of a consultation process, inviting input from the public and stakeholders on how to make ticket resales fairer and more transparent. The proposed rules include:
- A cap on ticket resale prices: Resale prices would be limited to no more than 30% above the original ticket price. Additionally, resellers would be restricted to listing only the maximum number of tickets allowed for purchase from the primary market.
- Increased accountability for resale platforms: Resale sites would face expanded oversight by Trading Standards and the Competition and Market Authority to ensure accurate information is provided to fans.
- Enhanced consumer protections: Existing legislation would be modernized to include larger fines and a new licensing regime for resale platforms, improving enforcement of consumer protections.
“The chance to see your favourite musicians or sports team live is something all of us enjoy, and everyone deserves a fair shot at getting tickets. But for too long, fans have had to endure the misery of touts hoovering up tickets for resale at vastly inflated prices,” said UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
Jon Collins, Chief Executive of LIVE, the UK live sector trade organization, welcomed the proposals:
“LIVE welcomes this positive step to put fans back at the heart of live music by tackling ticket touting. We have long advocated for regulation of the secondary market, supporting the great work of the FanFair Alliance, and are pleased to see the government delivering on its manifesto commitment in this area.
“We are delighted that measures permitting responsible and fair fan-to-fan resale, while eliminating third-party profiteering, will be brought forward. This will reduce the incentive for touts to squeeze fans out of the primary sale and highlights the need to set the cap on resales at or near the original price,” he added.
The public consultation period for these proposed rule changes is open until April 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The UK Government also seeks evidence on pricing practices, including dynamic pricing, to assess their impact on consumers. Fans, ticketing platforms, and the live events sector are encouraged to submit their views before the deadline.
