Preventing Spectator Disrupt Brokers, UK Government Bans Ticket Sales Above Original Prices

Concert illustration (unsplash)

JAKARTA - The British government has finally taken firm steps to forbid the sale of live event tickets above the original price.

According to a BBC report, this crucial decision will soon be announced by the Ministers on Wednesday, November 19 local time.

The purpose of the decision is clear: boosting the practice of ticket brokers (touts) and resale sites that have been making big profits by offering tickets far beyond the set price (face price/face value).

Meanwhile, the eradication of ticket brokers is one of the campaign promises made by the Labor Party government, in response to massive complaints from fans who are constantly blown away by the unreasonable soaring price of resale tickets.

The announcement comes just a week later after dozens of top musicians such as Sam Fender, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay urged Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labor Party, to protect fans from exploits that damage pockets.

Previously, public consultations regarding changes to this rule had stated the option to limit costs of up to 30 percent above the ticket price. However, the government has decided to set a maximum limit only on the original fee or price of the ticket.

Not only that, the British government also promised to take additional steps to limit the extra costs that may be added (such as administrative costs) so that these predetermined pricing limits are not violated.

For information, the British government's revolutionary move was sparked by an open letter from big names in the music industry asking the Prime Minister to stop sites they call "extortion and destructive" exploiting fans.

Apart from music stars, the letter was also signed by various interested parties, including consumer supervisory agency Whisper?, Football Supporters Association (Football Supporters' Association), as well as groups representing the music and theater industry, venue managers, to ticket retailers.