What's happened
The UK government is expected to announce plans to outlaw resale of event tickets at above face value, targeting scalping practices and bots. The move aligns with Labour’s manifesto pledge and aims to protect consumers, with legislation possibly introduced soon. Industry support and opposition highlight ongoing debate.
What's behind the headline?
The proposed legislation signals a decisive shift in UK ticketing policy, aiming to restore fairness for fans and curb scalping. By setting resale limits at face value, the government intends to dismantle the profit-driven secondary market, which has long exploited consumers. Industry support from Ticketmaster’s parent company and artists underscores the broad consensus on the need for reform. However, opposition from resale platforms like StubHub and Viagogo warns that strict caps could push transactions underground, increasing fraud and reducing consumer protections. This tension reflects a fundamental debate: balancing consumer rights with market regulation. The legislation’s success will depend on enforcement and how well it addresses online resale platforms, which are central to the current black market. If implemented effectively, the policy could democratise access to live events, but if it fails, it risks exacerbating fraud and reducing transparency, ultimately harming fans and the industry alike.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that the government plans to outlaw resale profits, moving away from earlier proposals of a 130% markup allowance, and will enforce resale at face value. Sky News highlights industry support from Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, and the concerns from platforms like StubHub about black market growth. The Independent details artist campaigns and political promises, emphasizing the broad coalition advocating for fairer ticketing practices. All sources agree that legislation is imminent, with a focus on protecting consumers and restoring faith in the ticketing system, though opposition warns of unintended consequences such as increased fraud.
How we got here
The move follows years of complaints from fans and artists about ticket scalping, often facilitated by bots that buy tickets in bulk immediately upon release. Labour’s manifesto promised stronger protections, and consultations explored capping resale at 30% above face value. Industry groups and artists have campaigned for measures to curb exploitative practices, leading to government consideration of legislation to restrict resale profits and regulate online platforms.
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