UK Government to Ban Ticket Resales Above Face Value in Crackdown on Touting
Published 17 November 2025
Highlights
- The UK government plans to ban the resale of live event tickets above face value to combat ticket touting.
- Prominent artists like Dua Lipa and Coldplay have supported the initiative, urging protection for fans against inflated prices.
- Resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub will be affected, as they will only be allowed to charge limited fees.
- The Competition and Markets Authority will enforce the new regulations, holding platforms accountable for compliance.
- Critics warn that the ban could drive consumers to unregulated sites, increasing the risk of ticket fraud.
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Rewritten Article
UK Government to Ban Ticket Resales Above Face Value in Crackdown on Touting
In a decisive move to protect consumers from inflated ticket prices, the UK government is set to announce a ban on the resale of live event tickets above their original face value. This initiative aims to tackle the pervasive issue of ticket touting, which has long plagued fans of music and sporting events.
Artists and Industry Support
The decision follows a public plea from high-profile artists such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Radiohead, who have called on the government to fulfill its election pledge to curb "pernicious" resale practices. These artists, alongside consumer groups like Which? and the Football Supporters' Association, have highlighted the exploitation of fans by touts and resale platforms.
Regulatory Measures and Enforcement
Under the new regulations, resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub will be restricted to charging only limited fees on top of the ticket's face value. The Competition and Markets Authority will oversee the enforcement of these rules, ensuring that platforms are held accountable for any violations. The government has opted not to implement a licensing system for resale companies but will make platforms legally liable if sellers breach the law.
Potential Risks and Industry Concerns
While the ban is welcomed by many, critics argue that it could inadvertently push consumers towards unregulated sites and social media, increasing the risk of fraud. Resale platforms have expressed concerns that the legislation might squeeze legitimate exchanges out of the market, leaving fans vulnerable to scams.
Economic Impact and Consumer Protection
The crackdown is expected to have significant economic implications, with estimates suggesting that inflated ticket prices cost consumers £145 million annually. By capping resale prices, the government aims to rein in professional touts and ensure that tickets remain accessible to genuine fans.
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Scenario Analysis
The forthcoming ban on ticket resales above face value marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to consumer protection in the live events sector. If successfully implemented, it could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar issues. However, the effectiveness of the ban will largely depend on the government's ability to enforce compliance and address potential loopholes that could be exploited by unscrupulous sellers.
Industry experts warn that the ban could lead to unintended consequences, such as driving consumers to unregulated markets. To mitigate this risk, the government may need to consider additional measures, such as public awareness campaigns and collaborations with social media platforms to monitor and prevent fraudulent activities.
As the music and sports industries continue to evolve, the balance between protecting consumers and maintaining a viable market for ticket sales will remain a critical challenge for policymakers.
In a decisive move to protect consumers from inflated ticket prices, the UK government is set to announce a ban on the resale of live event tickets above their original face value. This initiative aims to tackle the pervasive issue of ticket touting, which has long plagued fans of music and sporting events.
Artists and Industry Support
The decision follows a public plea from high-profile artists such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Radiohead, who have called on the government to fulfill its election pledge to curb "pernicious" resale practices. These artists, alongside consumer groups like Which? and the Football Supporters' Association, have highlighted the exploitation of fans by touts and resale platforms.
Regulatory Measures and Enforcement
Under the new regulations, resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub will be restricted to charging only limited fees on top of the ticket's face value. The Competition and Markets Authority will oversee the enforcement of these rules, ensuring that platforms are held accountable for any violations. The government has opted not to implement a licensing system for resale companies but will make platforms legally liable if sellers breach the law.
Potential Risks and Industry Concerns
While the ban is welcomed by many, critics argue that it could inadvertently push consumers towards unregulated sites and social media, increasing the risk of fraud. Resale platforms have expressed concerns that the legislation might squeeze legitimate exchanges out of the market, leaving fans vulnerable to scams.
Economic Impact and Consumer Protection
The crackdown is expected to have significant economic implications, with estimates suggesting that inflated ticket prices cost consumers £145 million annually. By capping resale prices, the government aims to rein in professional touts and ensure that tickets remain accessible to genuine fans.
What this might mean
The forthcoming ban on ticket resales above face value marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to consumer protection in the live events sector. If successfully implemented, it could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar issues. However, the effectiveness of the ban will largely depend on the government's ability to enforce compliance and address potential loopholes that could be exploited by unscrupulous sellers.
Industry experts warn that the ban could lead to unintended consequences, such as driving consumers to unregulated markets. To mitigate this risk, the government may need to consider additional measures, such as public awareness campaigns and collaborations with social media platforms to monitor and prevent fraudulent activities.
As the music and sports industries continue to evolve, the balance between protecting consumers and maintaining a viable market for ticket sales will remain a critical challenge for policymakers.
