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UK Bans Ticket Resales Above Face Value in Sweeping Touting Crackdown

Ministers say the measures will curb industrial bot buying, boosting direct sales to fans.

Overview

  • Reselling above face value, defined as the original price plus unavoidable fees, will be illegal across concerts, sport, theatre and other live events.
  • Platforms and social media sites must enforce the cap, service fees will be limited, and individuals cannot resell more tickets than their original purchase entitlement.
  • The Competition and Markets Authority can impose penalties of up to 10% of global turnover using new DMCC powers.
  • Government analysis projects about £112 million in annual savings for fans and roughly 900,000 more tickets bought from primary sellers each year.
  • Artists and consumer groups back the move, while StubHub and Viagogo warn of a shift to unregulated markets and higher fraud as detailed rules and timing are set through forthcoming legislation.