Following an industry consultation, the UK government has confirmed that it will follow through with proposals to put a price cap on concert tickets resold in the secondary market.
The consultation invited views from venues, promoters, fans and other parties on the proposed price cap, including the level to be set, ranging from no profit permitted on any ticket to a mark-up of 30% on the face value.
One model cited during the consultation process was the ban on ticket resale for profit in Ireland.
Following concerns about the scale of profiteering by touts on resale platforms, Ian Murray, UK Minister of State for Culture and Edinburgh MP, has vowed to press ahead with the proposals following a positive response during the consultation.
Writing in the Daily Record, he said: “We asked a direct question – should the UK follow countries like Ireland, where resale profiteering is capped in law? The response from fans could not have been a clearer – ‘yes’.
“So let me tell you what we’re doing. First, we will cap resale prices. No more outrageous mark-ups of 500% or 1,000%. We are examining a range of options, from face value to a reasonable uplift.”
Murray also specifically pledged to make resale platforms responsible for lawbreaking.
Price caps have been successfully introduced in countries like Ireland and Australia. The UK now has a unique opportunity to do the same
Adam Webb
Music Week has reported that the price cap has been welcomed by major players across the industry including AXS, O2 and Ticketmaster UK.
Under government proposals, fans could still use resale platforms but without the ability to make large profits.
Adam Webb, campaign manager, FanFair Alliance, said: “Given that it's over six months since the conclusion of a public consultation that promised to crack down on touts and 'put fans first', today's response piece from the Culture Minister is encouraging.
“We really welcome his words, although the next step has to be effective and carefully-considered legislation in the King's Speech.
“Price caps have been successfully introduced in countries like Ireland and Australia. The UK now has a unique opportunity to do the same – to lock out the touts and to rewire ticketing in favour of consumers.”
PHOTO: Mike Lewis/Redferns/Getty
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