Overview

This bill amends the Consumer Rights Bill to improve transparency and fairness in the secondary ticketing market for events in the UK. It aims to protect consumers by requiring sellers and platforms to provide clear information about tickets and prohibiting unfair practices like ticket cancellations or blacklisting of resellers unless permitted by the original contract and judged fair under consumer protection law.

Description

Information Requirements for Sellers and Platforms

The bill mandates that secondary ticketing platforms must clearly display seller information (name, registration details, VAT number) and ticket details (face value, restrictions, seating information, booking reference). The seller's relationship to the platform (e.g., employee, affiliated party) must also be disclosed. If the resale violates the original ticket terms, this must be prominently stated.

Prohibition of Cancellation and Blacklisting

Event organizers are prohibited from canceling tickets or blacklisting resellers simply due to resale, unless explicitly permitted by a fair term within the original ticket purchase contract.

Duty to Report Criminal Activity

Secondary ticketing platforms must report to law enforcement (and event organizers, unless doing so would impede an investigation) if they know an offence related to ticket resale is being committed through their platform.

Enforcement and Penalties

Local weights and measures authorities (in Great Britain) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (in Northern Ireland) can enforce these provisions. They may impose financial penalties (up to £5,000) for breaches, with exceptions for breaches due to factors outside the responsible party's control. A review of consumer protection measures in the secondary ticketing market is mandated.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly stated but is expected to involve costs associated with enforcement and the mandated review. Specific figures are not provided.

Groups Affected

• Consumers: Benefit from greater transparency and protection against inflated prices and unfair practices.
• Secondary Ticketing Platforms: Face new obligations to disclose information and report criminal activity, potentially incurring compliance costs and fines for non-compliance.
• Ticket Sellers: Must provide more information about themselves and the tickets they resell, potentially impacting their ability to operate if the terms are restrictive.
• Event Organizers: Are restricted in their ability to cancel tickets or blacklist sellers, unless specific terms are in place.
• Enforcement Authorities: Take on additional responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the bill.

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