The UK government is poised to introduce a major crackdown on the secondary ticketing market, with plans to ban the resale of live event tickets for more than their original face value.
Stars and Sports Fans Back the Move
This long-awaited action comes after sustained pressure from major music artists and sports fans who have endured tickets being bought by automated bots and immediately relisted at exorbitant prices. Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Sam Fender, Iron Maiden, and Radiohead were among the prominent acts who recently urged the government to follow through on its promise and restore faith in the ticketing system.
The problem has been particularly acute for in-demand events. For instance, tickets for Radiohead's upcoming Saturday show in London are currently listed on secondary sites like Viagogo and Stubhub for around £400 for seating and over £700 for standing, despite official prices being set at £85 for standing and between £75 to £195 for seating.
From Consultation to Concrete Action
While a government consultation had previously considered a cap of 30% above the original cost, reports from The Guardian and The Financial Times indicate that ministers are now expected to go further. The new limit will be set at the ticket's face value, and service fees charged on these resales will also be capped.
Although the government refused to comment when approached by Sky News, an official announcement is believed to be imminent, potentially as soon as Wednesday. This move fulfils a pledge made in the Labour Party's manifesto to put an end to rip-off ticket prices.
Industry Reaction and Warnings
The proposed face value cap has received support from various quarters, including the Football Supporters' Association and major ticketing firms. Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, stated it "fully supports" the ban and already operates a similar policy.
However, secondary ticketing giants have issued strong warnings. A spokesperson for StubHub International argued that a price cap would "condemn fans to take risks" and push transactions towards unregulated black markets, leading to increased fraud. Viagogo echoed these concerns, claiming that such price caps have "repeatedly failed fans" in other countries like Ireland and Australia.
Despite these objections, the government appears set to proceed with its plan, aiming to create a fairer system for millions of music and sports fans across the UK.
