The UK Government is moving forward with decisive measures to tackle the pervasive problem of ticket touting, much to the relief and approval of concertgoers and music fans nationwide. After years of frustration over exorbitant resale prices, often marked up by 500% or even 1000%, new legislation is set to introduce a cap on the price of resale tickets, aiming to curb the profits of unscrupulous scalpers and make live events more accessible to genuine fans.

The Daily Record has highlighted how this step addresses a longstanding issue where greedy touts use automated software to snatch up large quantities of coveted tickets for major shows, including gigs by iconic bands like Oasis. These tickets then flood the secondary market via platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub at inflated prices that put regular fans at an unfair disadvantage. A government consultation revealed strong public support from fans, musicians, and promoters alike to outlaw such exploitative practices.

Central to the government's plan, announced by culture minister Ian Murray, is a legally enforced price cap on the resale market, likely restricting ticket prices to no more than 30% above their face value. This aligns with recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has backed the proposal to rein in ticket touts and protect consumers. The CMA’s endorsement adds significant weight to the government’s efforts to overhaul the secondary ticketing industry and introduce greater transparency and fairness.

In addition to capping resale prices, the legislation will crack down on the use of automated bots by touts—software that buys tickets en masse to create scarcity and inflate prices. New rules impose unlimited fines on those caught using these tactics, a measure aimed at dismantling the technological advantages that have long allowed professional scalpers to dominate. This is part of a broader strategy to restrict the number of tickets resellers can list and increase the accountability of resale websites.

The government’s multi-faceted approach signals a robust response to an issue that has sapped the enthusiasm of music fans and sports supporters alike. Industry data has previously revealed that up to 95% of tickets for Scottish gigs sold on resale platforms were marked up significantly, sparking calls for urgent reform. By targeting the economic incentives and technological means that underpin ticket touting, these measures seek to restore fairness and let fans access live events without being priced out.

There is also political momentum behind these reforms. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to pursue similar caps and regulations on resale platforms if his party wins the next general election. His party’s stance includes broader ambitions to boost public engagement with the arts and culture, positioning affordable access to live events as a social priority. This contrasts with some Conservative perspectives that have been perceived as less focused on expanding cultural participation.

While the details of the new laws are still subject to further consultation and refinement, the direction is clear: an era of unchecked profiteering by ticket touts is nearing its end. Fans who once felt compelled to pay exorbitant markups to see their favourite artists live can look forward to a fairer, more transparent ticketing system. The proposed crackdown reflects a broader commitment by the UK Government to protect consumers and ensure that live entertainment remains an accessible part of public life.

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Source: Noah Wire Services