Overview

This bill aims to regulate the resale of tickets for designated sporting and cultural events in England and Wales, primarily to combat the inflated pricing of tickets by unauthorized sellers. It introduces offences for reselling tickets above a certain price threshold, establishes a designation scheme for events, and encourages a voluntary code for ticket refunds.

Description

The bill designates certain sporting and cultural events, allowing the Secretary of State to determine which events fall under its regulations. Venue operators or event organizers can apply for designation. The Secretary of State can refuse designation in exceptional circumstances. The Secretary of State must create regulations outlining the application process, time limits, publication requirements, fees and appeal mechanisms.

Offences

It's an offence for unauthorized individuals to resell tickets for designated events at more than 10% above face value. For tickets with no face value (e.g., free tickets), only reasonable postage costs are permitted. It is also an offence to sell tickets before the primary retailer releases them, or to sell tickets not purchased from the primary retailer. Penalties include fines, and the possibility of confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. If a charity is involved in an offence, any recovered money goes to the charity.

Exemptions

Registered charities are exempt from the 10% price increase restriction.

Internet Sales

The bill addresses online ticket sales, holding providers of electronic communication or data storage services accountable if they are notified that their services are being used for illegal ticket sales, requiring them to cooperate with law enforcement after 24 hours. Non-compliance is a summary offence.

Voluntary Code

The Secretary of State is required to consult with relevant parties to establish either a voluntary code for ticket refunds or an official ticket exchange facility.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending to cover the costs of the designation scheme administration, including staff, processing applications, and any other expenses related to implementing and enforcing the Act. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Consumers: May benefit from fairer ticket pricing and potentially improved refund processes.
• Event Organizers and Venue Operators: May face increased administrative burdens but could benefit from reduced secondary market ticket price inflation.
• Unauthorized Ticket Resellers: Will be subject to legal penalties.
• Charities: Have a specific exemption regarding ticket resale.
• Internet Service Providers: Have responsibilities regarding the use of their services for illegal ticket sales.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Will have increased responsibilities in enforcing the new regulations.

Powered by nyModel