Government Urged to Ban Concert Ticket Resale Above Face Value 'Without Delay'
The Government has been called upon to implement an immediate ban on the resale of concert tickets above their original face value. This urgent recommendation forms a central part of a comprehensive review of the live and electronic music sectors, commissioned by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
A Charter for Music Fans
The report, which also advocates for the creation of a Government and industry-backed Music Fan Association, proposes a detailed fans' charter comprising 50 specific recommendations. These measures are designed to significantly improve the live music experience and industry practices. Speaking at the launch event held at Le Pub, a live music venue in Newport, south Wales, review chairman Lord Brennan emphasised the critical need for change.
"Over the last year we've given a voice to fans of all different music types and genres from across the country, and they've told us loud and clear that often they feel neglected and ripped off," Lord Brennan stated. "Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world and point to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with respect."
He further explained that the new fans' charter outlines a practical and achievable path forward, encouraging all stakeholders—from ticketing platforms and venues to artists, promoters, managers, and local councils—to commit to its principles to secure the long-term future of live music.
Tackling Ticketing and Pricing Issues
The charter includes specific recommendations aimed at addressing widespread fan dissatisfaction. It calls on the Government to ensure that tiered ticket pricing is "clearly communicated in advance and applied transparently" and urges the industry to continue resisting the introduction of dynamic surge pricing models.
The report highlighted a pervasive negative perception among fans regarding major online ticketing platforms. Fans expressed feelings of unfair treatment, excessively high ticket prices, and insufficient action to combat automated bots and online ticket touts. A survey conducted as part of the review revealed that fluctuating ticket prices led to "heightened levels of stress, fear of missing out and pressure to make unaffordable decisions" among consumers.
Additional Recommendations for Industry Reform
Beyond ticketing, the report sets forth a series of additional proposals to enhance the live music ecosystem:
- The Government should mandate "clear, upfront information" from sellers regarding ticket refund policies.
- A mandatory levy on larger events should be introduced to financially support grassroots venues, festivals, promoters, and emerging artists.
- Venues should be required to provide free earplugs and drinking water to attendees.
- Venues must publish clear start and finish times for performances as standard practice to assist fans in planning their travel.
- Promoters and venues are encouraged to explore the potential demand for daytime live music events.
- Venues should work towards allocating a minimum of 2% of their total capacity to wheelchair-accessible spaces.
- A code of conduct for fan behaviour at gigs should be established collaboratively by fans and venues.
- The Government should commission an annual music fans' survey starting in 2027 to provide ongoing insights for ministers and industry stakeholders.
- An annual, rotating live music roadshow should be established by the Government.
Government Response and Review Background
In response to the review, a DCMS spokesperson acknowledged the committee's work, stating: "We thank the committee for their report and will consider its findings carefully. The Government shares the ambition of the committee to ensure that live music and its fans thrive in the UK."
The spokesperson also noted upcoming Government initiatives, including the imminent publication of a comprehensive Music Plan and a £30 million Music Growth Package aimed at supporting domestic growth, talent development, and music exports. "We set out decisive plans last year to stamp out touting once and for all, and we are committed to delivering on these as soon as possible for the benefit of fans and industry," the spokesperson added.
This independent review was initiated following the Government's decision not to adopt recommendations from a previous committee report on grassroots music venues, which had raised serious concerns about the financial health of the sector from venue operators, touring artists, and independent promoters. Lord Brennan's review incorporated the views of thousands of music fans gathered through a national survey and a series of engagement events across the country.
