UK axes ticket tout profits, fans cheer
The United Kingdom government has announced its intention to introduce legislation banning the resale of sports and entertainment tickets above their original face value. Officials stated that the new law aims to dismantle the business model of ticket touts, the British term for scalpers. The planned rules will also restrict the service fees that resale platforms can charge and prevent individuals from selling more tickets than they originally purchased.
This regulatory action is expected to significantly impact secondary ticketing marketplaces like StubHub and Viagogo. The government estimates the law will save consumers approximately 112 million pounds annually and increase primary market ticket sales. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the measure would make major events more affordable for fans.
While some platforms like Tixel support the price caps, StubHub International warned that such restrictions could push resales to unregulated black markets. The legislation fulfills a campaign promise from the Labour Party, which had received support for the action from major artists including Coldplay and Sam Fender.
