Ticket resale websites will have to alert buyers to the risk that they may not be able to access events after the UK’s competition watchdog announced tough new rules for the sector.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says its investigation into the re-sale of concert and events tickets “has identified widespread concerns” about the information sites and ticket sellers provide to buyers.
In an effort to address these concerns, the agency says all sites should make it clear whether venues have restrictions on the ability to resell tickets and therefore whether buyers risk not being able to see their chosen event.
In addition, sites will have to clearly display who is selling the tickets to allow consumers to see whether “the seller is a business and/or an event organiser” and whether they can benefit from their statutory rights.
All listings will also have to show buyers “exactly” where they will be seated.
Andrea Coscelli, CMA Chief Executive, said: “Secondary ticketing websites can offer an important service – by allowing people the chance to buy tickets at the last minute or giving them a chance to re-sell tickets they can no longer use.
“But our investigation has identified concerns that the law protecting consumers is being broken.
“Thousands of people use these sites and they have a right to know if there is a risk that they will be turned away at the door, who they’ve bought their ticket from or exactly what seat at the venue they’re getting for their money.”
