In May, a group of prominent ticket touts convened in a London basement to strategize against Labour’s proposed ban on ticket reselling for profit. One member expressed concern that the policy’s implementation could severely impact their business, stating, “Bottom line is, we are all fucked.” Fast forward eighteen months, and the UK government has confirmed plans to outlaw the resale of tickets above face value, marking a significant shift in policy following extensive lobbying from music industry groups and consumer advocates.
This decision aligns with a decade-long campaign aimed at preventing exploitative practices in the ticket resale market. Influential artists, including members of Radiohead and Coldplay, recently urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to take action against ticket touts. The Business Department’s minister highlighted concerns over affordability in the current economic climate, noting that many people have experienced marked-up prices on secondary markets.
Past investigations have revealed various tactics used by ticket touts, such as employing software to quickly purchase tickets and engage in fraudulent activities. While some touts have faced legal action, previous governments have largely been reluctant to intervene. The new legislation, expected to ban for-profit reselling across platforms and social media, aims to alter this landscape significantly.
Estimates suggest consumers could save approximately £112 million annually due to the ban. However, there are concerns about the potential for increased fraud without regulated resale platforms. Resale sites argue that a ban could push demand toward illegitimate channels, creating risks for consumers. Critics of these claims have pointed out a lack of empirical data linking resale bans to increased fraud rates, emphasizing the need for credible research.
Concerns remain regarding the practical enforcement of the new legislation, with experts advising that comprehensive measures will be necessary to ensure the protection of consumers across borders.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/nov/19/ticket-touts-worst-nightmare-has-finally-come-true-in-the-uk