The UK government is poised to announce a significant crackdown on the secondary ticketing market, with plans to ban the resale of live event tickets for profit. The move, expected to be unveiled soon, aims to protect music and sports fans from being overcharged by ticket touts.
What the New Rules Will Mean
Ministers are reportedly finalising plans that will cap the resale price of tickets at their original face value. This means that individuals and platforms will be prohibited from selling tickets for more than their initial cost. However, the policy may still permit the addition of modest administrative or handling fees.
The announcement is expected on Tuesday 18 November 2025. This initiative follows a sustained campaign from major music artists, including Coldplay and Dua Lipa, who have joined forces with consumer groups and industry bodies to call for a cap on resale prices.
Industry Reactions and Warnings
Supporters of the ban, such as live events giant Live Nation Entertainment, argue that it will make concerts and other live events more accessible and affordable for genuine fans. They believe it will prevent exploitation by professional touts who use automated software to buy up large quantities of tickets.
Conversely, major resale firms like StubHub and Viagogo have issued strong warnings against the proposed legislation. They argue that a strict price cap could inadvertently fuel a black market for tickets, pushing sales to unregulated platforms and potentially leading to higher rates of fraud for consumers unable to verify their purchases.
The Future of Ticket Buying
This government action represents one of the most substantial interventions in the ticketing market in recent years. If implemented, the ban on profiteering from ticket resales will fundamentally change how fans buy and sell tickets for sold-out events across the United Kingdom.
