UK competition watchdog launches investigation into second-hand ticket sellers
Gig-goers could be told whether their second-hand ticket could lead them to be turned away from an event
THE UK’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation to reveal whether people buying tickets in the second-hand market are being given enough information.
With demand for many concerts, plays, festivals and sporting events soaring, a string of online companies have emerged which sell hard-to-find tickets previously owned by others.
In its quest to boost transparency in the sector, the Competition and Markets Authority said gig-goers in future could be told about who the original seller is, any connections the seller has with an event’s organiser and where the seat at the venue is located.
Buyers could also be warned if they are at risk of being refused entry to an event because of “restrictions on the use of resold tickets.”
Andrea Coscelli, the CMA’s Acting Chief Executive, said: “A night out at a concert or a trip to a big match is something that millions of people look forward to.
“So it’s important they know who they are buying from and whether there are any restrictions that could stop them using the ticket.
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“We have heard concerns about a lack of transparency over who is buying up tickets from the primary market.
“We also think that it is essential that those consumers who buy tickets from the secondary market are made aware if there is a risk that they will be turned away at the door.”
If the companies selling tickets or any secondary ticketing platform doesn’t provide all the required information, they run the risk of enforcement action, including fines, the CMA said.
Vickie Sheriff, director of campaigns and communications at Which?, said: “On numerous occasions we have found tickets being sold unlawfully, so we welcome the competition authorities taking action to tackle this.
“No one can know the real value of their ticket if they haven’t been given the information on face value, where the seat is located and any restrictions.
“Tickets also shouldn’t be fed straight into secondary sites at consumers’ expense. We expect the CMA to take strong action against ticketing sites and businesses not playing by the rules.”
In June, the CMA carried out a review of four big secondary ticket sites, Get Me In, Seatwave, StarHub and Viagogo, to ensure they provide buyers with better information about tickets.
The CMA said one of the four websites was not fully compliant, adding that it was “actively pursuing this” to ensure it does.
Earlier this month, Adele took a stand against touts who’ve been making thousands of pounds from selling tickets to her concerts at inflated prices.
The singer has started working with face value ticket platform Twickets to make sure fans can exchange tickets without having to pay more money than they need to.