Gov Cracks Down on Ticket Scalpers: No More Price Gouging for Fans!

The UK government is set to introduce a new law that will ban the resale of tickets for live events at prices above their original value. This move comes after many music stars, including Dua Lipa, Sam Fender, and Coldplay, called on the government to protect fans from ticket touts who sell tickets at inflated prices. These artists, along with groups like the Football Supporters' Association and consumer watchdog Which? , signed an open letter urging the government to take action against websites that exploit fans by selling tickets for much more than they are worth.

Currently, tickets for concerts, theatre shows, comedy events, and sports games are often resold for more than 50 percent above their face value. Investigations have found that some tickets are sold for up to six times their original price. This practice has made it difficult for real fans to attend events, as they are forced to pay much more than the ticket's actual cost. The government plans to set a strict limit so that tickets can only be resold at their original price, and they will also work to cap extra fees that could make tickets more expensive.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimates that this change will save fans an average of £37 per ticket, adding up to a total savings of £112 million each year. Ticket resale platforms will be legally required to monitor and enforce these new rules. Some companies, like Ticketmaster's parent company Live Nation Entertainment, already limit resale prices to the original value. However, other resale sites argue that a price cap could push buyers to unregulated platforms, increasing the risk of fraud. Despite these concerns, many in the music and sports industries believe that the new law is necessary to protect fans from exorbitant prices and ensure that tickets end up in the hands of genuine fans.