How Are Dua Lipa and Coldplay Fighting Against Ticket Touts?

Pop stars including Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Sam Fender are urging the UK government to fulfil its promise to protect fans from online ticket touts by capping resale prices. Over 40 musicians have signed a letter calling for immediate action, highlighting the need for legislation to stop ticket scalpers from inflating prices and making live events unaffordable for fans. This movement follows a public consultation that has yet to yield results, leaving many questioning the government's commitment to tackling this issue.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Musicians and consumer advocates have united to call on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take decisive action against ticket touts in the UK. A letter signed by more than 40 prominent artists urges the government to cap the resale price of tickets, which are often marked up by over 50% on secondary markets. This push comes after a public consultation launched in January 2023, aimed at addressing rampant ticket scalping. However, with no legislative proposals forthcoming seven months later, concerns are mounting among fans and artists alike.

Key takeaways

Over 40 musicians have signed a letter urging the UK government to cap resale ticket prices.
A public consultation on ticket touting was launched in January 2023 but has yet to produce any legislative action.
Research shows that some tickets are being resold for exorbitant prices, with Oasis tickets listed for £4,442.
Countries like Ireland and Australia have successfully implemented price caps to protect fans.
Consumer advocacy groups are urging the government to act swiftly to restore faith in the ticketing system.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of ticket touting has been a longstanding concern for both fans and artists. Below is a brief timeline highlighting key events leading up to the current situation:

January 2023: The UK government launches a public consultation aimed at addressing ticket touting and the resale market.
July 2023: The consultation closes, and the government indicates it is considering a price cap of up to 30% on resale tickets.
October 2023: Over 40 musicians sign a letter to Prime Minister Starmer, urging immediate action to cap ticket prices and protect fans.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent letter signed by prominent musicians marks a renewed effort to push the government for action on ticket touting, highlighting the widespread support among artists for a price cap. The call for action comes amid ongoing frustrations over the lack of progress since the consultation closed in July.

What was already established

It is already known that ticket touts are significantly inflating prices on the resale market, with some tickets reportedly marked up by over 50%. The issue has been exacerbated by the rise of resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub, which have been accused of allowing scalpers to thrive without sufficient regulation.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The impact of ticket touting on consumers is profound. Many fans are forced to pay exorbitant prices for concert tickets, which can be prohibitively expensive. Research has revealed that tickets for popular events can be resold at prices that far exceed their face value, making live music less accessible for average fans. A recent investigation found that tickets for an Oasis concert were listed for £4,442, showcasing the severity of the issue.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in the live music sector, the prevalence of ticket touting undermines the integrity of the market. Venues and artists may see diminished attendance if fans are unwilling to pay inflated prices. Moreover, the lack of regulation around ticket sales can lead to a loss of trust in the industry, affecting overall revenue streams for live events.

Policy and regulation

The UK government has expressed its commitment to addressing ticket touting, with a spokesperson stating that they are considering evidence from the recent consultation. However, the lack of progress raises questions about when and how new regulations will be implemented. The proposed measures include capping resale prices and limiting the number of tickets that resellers can offer, which are steps that many believe are essential for restoring fairness in ticketing.

Numbers that matter

£4,442: The price at which some tickets for the Oasis concert were listed, highlighting extreme resale inflation.
50%: The average markup on tickets sold on the resale market, according to analysis by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
30%: The proposed price cap being considered by the UK government for ticket resales.
40+: The number of musicians who have signed a letter urging action against ticket touting.
2018: The year the CMA secured a court order requiring Viagogo to disclose the identity of traders, a move that has not substantially changed the market dynamics.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ticket tout: A person or company that buys tickets with the intent to resell them at a markup, often exploiting demand for popular events.
Resale market: A marketplace where tickets can be sold after their initial purchase, typically at higher prices than face value.
Price cap: A regulatory limit on the maximum price that can be charged for a ticket when resold.
Public consultation: A process by which the government seeks feedback from the public and stakeholders on proposed policies or legislation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, it is crucial for UK consumers and artists to remain engaged with the government's progress on this issue. Monitoring announcements from the Department for Culture regarding their plans to address ticket touting will be important.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the government acts on the pressure from artists and consumer groups, we could see legislative proposals introduced in the next King's Speech. This would be pivotal for establishing new regulations aimed at protecting fans and ensuring fair access to live events.

Signals to watch

Updates from the government on the status of the ticket touting consultation and any legislative proposals.
Responses from consumer advocacy groups and musicians regarding the government's actions or inactions.
Changes in ticket pricing trends on primary and secondary markets as public sentiment shifts.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about government announcements regarding ticket resales and any upcoming legislation.
Support artists and campaigns that advocate for fair ticketing practices.
Share experiences with ticket pricing to raise awareness of the issues faced by fans.

Don’t

Purchase tickets from unverified sources that may increase the risk of fraud.
Assume that all resale prices are fair; always compare with face value.
Ignore the potential impact of ticket touting on access to live events.

Checklist

Check the legitimacy of resale platforms before making a purchase.
Compare ticket prices across different platforms to ensure a fair deal.
Stay connected with fan communities for updates on ticketing issues.
Engage with government consultations and share your views on ticket pricing.
Monitor news regarding upcoming concerts and events for ticket release dates.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite the growing consensus on the need for reform in ticketing, several uncertainties remain. The government has yet to set a clear timeline for when changes may be implemented, and there is speculation about how effective any new regulations will be in practice. Moreover, resale sites argue that a price cap could drive customers to unregulated platforms, potentially increasing the risk of fraud. As the situation evolves, fans and artists alike must remain vigilant and engaged to ensure their voices are heard.

Bottom line

The call for action against ticket touting highlights a critical issue faced by fans in the UK. With over 40 musicians backing a push for a price cap on resale tickets, the pressure is mounting on the government to take decisive action. The outcome of this campaign could significantly impact the accessibility of live events for ordinary fans and restore faith in the ticketing system.

FAQs

What is the current situation regarding ticket touting in the UK?

Ticket touting remains a significant issue in the UK, with many tickets being resold at inflated prices. A public consultation was launched in January 2023, but no legislation has been introduced yet to cap resale prices.

Who are the musicians advocating for change?

Prominent artists including Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Sam Fender have signed a letter urging the UK government to protect fans from ticket touts by capping resale prices.

What measures are being proposed to combat ticket touting?

The government is considering measures such as a price cap on resale tickets and limits on the number of tickets that resellers can offer, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair access to events.