Fair Play: Inside the TICKET Act’s Push for Transparency in Event Ticketing
The House of Representatives has passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, commonly known as the TICKET Act, aiming to enhance pricing transparency for consumers purchasing event tickets. This legislation mandates that ticket sellers disclose the total cost, including fees, at the point of sale. Additionally, sellers must indicate whether tickets are speculative, meaning they are not yet in the seller’s possession.
A significant feature of the TICKET Act is the prohibition of deceptive websites operated by secondary sellers. It also requires sellers to offer refunds if an event is canceled. Following its passage in the House, the bill will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.
The TICKET Act is part of a broader legislative effort to address longstanding consumer dissatisfaction with the ticketing industry. The Senate is considering a similar bill that also aims to protect consumers. Furthermore, bipartisan senators introduced the Fans First Act in December, which focuses on increasing cost transparency and curbing exorbitant prices set by resellers. Lawmakers have intensified their scrutiny of the ticketing industry due to numerous consumer complaints, exemplified by the issues surrounding Ticketmaster’s handling of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2022. The high demand for Swift’s tour tickets led to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to investigate Ticketmaster’s dominant position in the market.
The TICKET Act was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) in June 2023 and was subsequently referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Bilirakis, along with other key committee members, emphasized the bill’s importance in a joint statement: “This consensus legislation will end deceptive ticketing practices that frustrate consumers who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event by restoring fairness and transparency to the ticket marketplace.”
Ticket advocacy groups and consumer advocates have praised the House’s passage of the bill, urging the Senate to follow suit. Dana McLean, executive director of the Coalition for Ticket Fairness, noted that the bill “levels the playing field” for ticket buyers by ensuring they have access to clear pricing information. She highlighted the bill’s alignment with the Coalition’s mission of promoting transparency and consumer choice. State-level efforts have also been made to protect ticket buyers. For instance, Maryland recently banned the sale of speculative tickets, and Minnesota now requires all fees to be disclosed upfront in ticket prices.
Artists and industry leaders have expressed support for the TICKET Act and related reforms. In April, over 250 artists, including Billie Eilish and Green Day, signed a letter endorsing the Fans First Act. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reiterated the importance of the TICKET Act, urging the Senate to pass comprehensive ticket reform legislation that would ensure transparency and protect both artists and fans.
Source: CNBC
Share:
Behind Closed Doors: Sony and Paramount's NDA Signals Shift in Deal Dynamics Away from $26 Billion Acquisition
Roku's Strategy To Help Us Survive In Overcrowded, Fragmented Streaming JungleRelated Posts
The House of Representatives has passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, commonly known as the TICKET Act, aiming to enhance pricing transparency for consumers purchasing event tickets. This legislation mandates that ticket sellers disclose the total cost, including fees, at the point of sale. Additionally, sellers must indicate whether tickets are speculative, meaning they are not yet in the seller’s possession.
A significant feature of the TICKET Act is the prohibition of deceptive websites operated by secondary sellers. It also requires sellers to offer refunds if an event is canceled. Following its passage in the House, the bill will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.
The TICKET Act is part of a broader legislative effort to address longstanding consumer dissatisfaction with the ticketing industry. The Senate is considering a similar bill that also aims to protect consumers. Furthermore, bipartisan senators introduced the Fans First Act in December, which focuses on increasing cost transparency and curbing exorbitant prices set by resellers. Lawmakers have intensified their scrutiny of the ticketing industry due to numerous consumer complaints, exemplified by the issues surrounding Ticketmaster’s handling of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2022. The high demand for Swift’s tour tickets led to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to investigate Ticketmaster’s dominant position in the market.
The TICKET Act was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) in June 2023 and was subsequently referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Bilirakis, along with other key committee members, emphasized the bill’s importance in a joint statement: “This consensus legislation will end deceptive ticketing practices that frustrate consumers who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event by restoring fairness and transparency to the ticket marketplace.”
Ticket advocacy groups and consumer advocates have praised the House’s passage of the bill, urging the Senate to follow suit. Dana McLean, executive director of the Coalition for Ticket Fairness, noted that the bill “levels the playing field” for ticket buyers by ensuring they have access to clear pricing information. She highlighted the bill’s alignment with the Coalition’s mission of promoting transparency and consumer choice. State-level efforts have also been made to protect ticket buyers. For instance, Maryland recently banned the sale of speculative tickets, and Minnesota now requires all fees to be disclosed upfront in ticket prices.
Artists and industry leaders have expressed support for the TICKET Act and related reforms. In April, over 250 artists, including Billie Eilish and Green Day, signed a letter endorsing the Fans First Act. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reiterated the importance of the TICKET Act, urging the Senate to pass comprehensive ticket reform legislation that would ensure transparency and protect both artists and fans.
Source: CNBC
Share:
Behind Closed Doors: Sony and Paramount's NDA Signals Shift in Deal Dynamics Away from $26 Billion AcquisitionRoku's Strategy To Help Us Survive In Overcrowded, Fragmented Streaming Jungle
