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New UK secondary ticketing regs come into force

New rules that require all ticket resellers in the UK to provide buyers with a unique ticket number (UTN), along with other information such as the ticket’s face value, come into force today (6 April).

The new regulations, announced in February, are described by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as a way to “better protect fans from rip-off prices” on secondary sites.

From today, ticket resellers must:

  • Identify the location to which the ticket provides access – such as the particular seat or standing area of the venue
  • Disclose any restrictions around who can use the ticket or how it must be used (eg alongside ID of the original buyer)
  • Disclose the original price of the ticket
  • Reveal details of any connections they have with either the site on which they are selling, or the organiser of the event for which the ticket is being sold
  • Supply the UTN – which identifies the ticket’s seat, standing area or location – if the promoter has specified one

Consumer Minister Andrew Griffiths (pictured) says:“Fans have a right to know exactly what they’re signing up to on ticket resale websites, but all too often people are left feeling ripped off when the ticket doesn’t match expectations.

“We are already taking steps to crack down on touts using ‘bots’ to bulk buy tickets for resale and today’s new rules will also improve transparency in this market.”

“So-called secondary ticketing sites should now have complete clarity of their legal obligations,” Adam Webb, campaign manager for anti-touting campaign group FanFair Alliance. “Combined with enforcement action, these welcome updates and additions to consumer law will result in greater protection for audiences and help development of a more transparent and fan-friendly ticket resale market.”

 


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