The government pledged the ban last year to stop people having to spend over the odds – but no date has been announced for when this will start
A ban on reselling gig tickets above their face value price must be introduced “without delay”, a new report into the live events industry has urged.
Music fans are often left priced out of attending popular events due to touts that snap up tickets quicker than any human by using automated software.
The government pledged the ban last year to stop people having to spend over the odds – but no date has been announced for when this will start.
A new review released today and commissioned by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee read: “The government should introduce legislation to ban the resale of tickets above face value without delay and ensure it is robustly enforced.”
The report sets out 50 recommendations in a new Fans’ Charter to improve the live music industry, including that ticket pricing be “clearly communicated in advance and applied transparently”.
It also urges the industry to “resist the introduction of dynamic surge pricing” which is where the price of tickets changes due to demand. Oasis fans were left furious after this method saw ticket prices soar for their comeback gigs last year.
The report continues: “Fans across the review had a negative perception… of major online ticketing platforms.
“They felt that the big agencies did not treat fans fairly, that ticket prices were too high, and that little was being done to deal with bots and online ticket touts.”
Venues were also told they should publish clear start and finish times for sets so fans can plan their journeys, and they should provide free earplugs and drinking water.
The report also calls for a new Music Fan Association, similar to one that already exists for football fans.
Speaking ahead of a launch event at the Le Pub live music venue in Newport, south Wales, review chairman Lord Brennan said: “Over the last year we’ve given a voice to fans of all different music types and genres from across the country, and they’ve told us loud and clear that often they feel neglected and ripped off.
“Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world and point to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with respect.
“Our new fans’ charter sets out a practical and achievable way ahead that everyone, from ticketing platforms to venues, from artists to promoters, from managers to councils, can sign up to, to help secure the long-term future of live music.
“From establishing a proper representative body to give fans more clout and ending the ticketing rip-off, to improving access for disabled gig goers and venue safety, it’s time for all involved in music to turn the volume dial up to 11 in favour of the fans.”
The review was one of the recommendations from the committee’s report on grassroots music venues, which raised the concerns of venue operators, touring artists and independent promoters regarding the financial state of the grassroots music sector.
When the Government did not take up the recommendations of the report, the committee asked Lord Brennan to conduct the independent review.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “For too long, the views of fans have been treated as background noise, despite those that attend gigs, concerts and festivals having an under-valued importance in the UK music scene and a unique insight, including on how to ensure its successful future.
“Today’s recommendations from the independent fan-led review show the potential of putting the power in the hands of those that truly understand and love live and electronic music.
“We look forward to all those with an interest in securing a sustainable industry engaging with the findings and taking on board the views of the most important people in music.”
Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: “Ticket touts have exploited fans for long enough – it’s unacceptable that fans are still dealing with blatant rip-offs for entertainment on top of cost of living pressures.
“A price cap that will finally rein in the online touts is within reach, so the Prime Minister must seize the opportunity to make this happen by including this legislation in the upcoming King’s Speech.”
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: “We thank the committee for their report and will consider its findings carefully. The government shares the ambition of the committee to ensure that live music and its fans thrive in the UK.
“We will soon publish a Music Plan, drawing together all that Government is doing to support the music industry, including a £30m Music Growth Package to support domestic growth, talent development and music exports.
“We set out decisive plans last year to stamp out touting once and for all, and we are committed to delivering on these as soon as possible for the benefit of fans and industry.”
