(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 19th Nov, 2025) London, UK —
New UK Legislation to End Exploitative Live Event Ticket Resale Market
The UK government has declared a crackdown on the resale of live event tickets at elevated prices, unveiling plans to prohibit the profit-driven resale of tickets. This initiative, set to be officially announced on Wednesday, aims to combat the widespread issue of ticket touting and the operation of resale platforms that frequently list tickets for concerts, theatre shows, comedy gigs, and sports events at significantly inflated prices.
This move aligns with the Labour government's campaign promises, responding to repeated grievances from fans about the exorbitant costs of purchasing resold tickets.
The decision was catalysed by a collective plea from numerous renowned artists, including Sam Fender, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay, who last week appealed to Sir Keir Starmer for measures to shield fans from being exploited by opportunistic resale practices.
Following a public consultation that contemplated a price cap at 30% above a ticket's face value, the government has resolved to enforce a stricter regulation, permitting only sales at the original purchase price. Additionally, it pledges to implement restrictions on supplementary fees to ensure the effectiveness of this price ceiling.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will spearhead this initiative to dismantle large-scale ticket touting, projecting an average saving of £37 per ticket for fans, and a collective annual saving of £112 million.
Under the new scheme, resale platforms will be legally obligated to adhere to and oversee the enforcement of these rules.
Steve Reed, the Housing Secretary, emphasised the significance of this issue on Reporters Breakfast, criticising the financial burden imposed on fans by touts and affirming the government's dedication to abolishing such practices.
The outcry against ticket touting was significantly amplified by an open letter from leading music artists, labeling the operations of resale websites as “extortionate and pernicious”. The letter, endorsed by notable entities including consumer advocacy group Which?, the Football Supporters' Association, and various representatives from the music and theatre sectors, calls for decisive action to terminate fans' exploitation.
Research by the Competition and Markets Authority reveals that tickets resold on the secondary market are usually priced well over 50% above their original value. In some instances, Trading Standards investigations have exposed tickets being sold for up to six times their face value.
Rocio Concha of Which? welcomed the government's plan as a victory for fans and a decisive step towards curbing professional touting, urging swift legislative action to underscore the government's commitment to this cause.
Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has expressed approval of the proposed regulations, noting its existing policy of limiting UK ticket resales to face value, and appraising the initiative as a significant advancement for fan interests.
Concerns have been raised by platforms like Viagogo and Stubhub that a price cap might drive transactions to unregulated channels, heightening the risk of fraud. Nevertheless, Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music, advocates for the cap, highlighting the necessity of protecting both the industry and fans from “exorbitant” resale prices, and reinforcing the value of maintaining a direct and equitable connection between artists and their audience.
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