The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport has initiated a consultation on proposals aimed at regulating the secondary market for event tickets. This move is in line with a previous commitment to enhance consumer protections related to ticket resales.

The consultation seeks public input on several potential measures. These include implementing price caps, establishing new legal obligations for ticket resale platforms, and reviewing consumer enforcement practices.

Matthew Sinclair, Senior Director and head of CCIA’s London office, expressed concerns regarding the proposed regulations. He stated: “The secondary market has a vital role giving fans a means to attend events they might have missed when tickets first went on sale and helping people who no longer need their tickets get a good deal. Draconian regulation, targeting only the secondary market, will only mean more tickets changing hands in informal settings without the same protections that exist in proper marketplaces."

Sinclair emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach: "Ministers should address legitimate concerns with a holistic approach that encourages the original sellers of tickets, secondary marketplaces and others involved to all do their bit to make buying and selling tickets an even fairer and safer experience.”