The U.K. government is taking action against ticket scalping in an effort to prevent fans from being priced out of attending live events. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit the resale of tickets for concerts, sports, and other live shows at prices higher than their original face value. This move comes in response to complaints from artists like Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Radiohead, who have raised concerns about websites that unfairly resell tickets.
According to the U.K. government, implementing these measures could save fans approximately £112 million annually and lead to an additional 900,000 tickets being bought directly from primary sellers each year. The primary targets of this crackdown are Viagogo and StubHub, major players in the secondary ticket market. Adam Webb from the Fan Fair Alliance in London supports this regulation, stating that it will help combat the unethical practices of scalpers who artificially inflate ticket prices.
The new rules will apply to all ticket-selling platforms in the U.K., including social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Businesses found violating these regulations may face financial penalties. Webb highlights that ticket scalping affects events of all scales, from major shows to smaller venues. Despite the positive developments in the U.K., Vass Bednar from the Canadian Shield Institute notes that Canada lags behind in addressing ticket resale issues.
While the U.K. government’s initiative is seen as progress, concerns remain about potential unintended consequences. Music industry expert Eric Alper warns that imposing strict regulations on ticket resale could drive the practice underground. Webb emphasizes the importance of public support to ensure the legislation moves forward swiftly, preventing further exploitation of fans and the creative industry. Bednar expresses disappointment over the escalating ticket prices, which threaten the accessibility of cultural experiences like sports and concerts for average Canadians.
