Government Rules Against Ticket Tout Legislation

The Government has decided against making new laws to combat the problem of ticket touting in the United Kingdom.

Responding to a report by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said that concert promoters and ticket resellers should instead work together on a voluntary code.

Although Burnham warned that legislation should be a “last resort”, he noted how ticket reselling, on what’s more commonly known as the secondary market, “doesn’t add anything to the cultural life of the country”.

Instead, Burham added, it “leeches off it and denies access to those least able to afford tickets."

The secondary market has exploded in the United Kingdom over recent years as online websites such as eBay and Seatwave have made it easier for touts to sell tickets.

The Government’s voluntary code will initially target major sporting events, such as Wimbledon and the World Cup, to prevent people from selling tickets on at inflated prices.

The Government will also work with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) to limit the number of tickets sold to one person.

What do you think of the Government’s decision? Should touting be banned or do you support it? Have you sold tickets on – if so, then please let us know...