In an effort to increase transparency in the entertainment industry, US Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Gus Bilirakis introduced the bipartisan TICKET Act in the US Congress last week (June 8).
The proposed law aims to mandate comprehensive disclosure of ticketing fees by requiring event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price, including all associated fees, in all forms of advertising and promotional materials.
The development followed closely the birth of ‘Boss and Agility Act’ in Congress at the end of May, aiming to regulate the ticket market for live events.
Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Frank Pallone, Jr. introduced a bill to address issues such as hidden fees, transparency of sale, buyer protection, speculative tickets and fraudulent websites.
The legislation is inspired by recent ticketing controversies involving Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, both of whom have experienced challenges related to ticket sales during their respective tours.
Before the Boss and Swift Act, a ‘Taylor Swift Bill’ was introduced in Massachusetts, with the aim of bringing transparency to ticket pricing and ending the controversial practice of dynamic pricing.
Most recently, Congressman Schakowsky said in a declare: “Fans are extremely disappointed by how difficult it has become to purchase event tickets. With each ticket issue failurefrom Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, etc. the frustration increased.”
“By introducing the bipartisan TICKET Act today, we are proud to respond to the voices of so many fans to make this process easier and more transparent. We look forward to more engagement from our stakeholders as we continue to advance this legislation for the benefit of our fans and artists. Consumers deserve protection from ticket fraud, unexpected costs and high fees.”
The TICKET Act seeks to emulate the advertising guidelines that currently apply to airline tickets. By ensuring that consumers have access to full ticket prices prior to purchase, the act aims to provide American buyers, whether for concerts, theater shows or sporting events, with complete transparency throughout the ticketing process.
Studies from the New York Attorney General’s office and the Government Accountability Office reveal that fees can account for up to 58% of the total cost of tickets, noted Congresswoman Schakowsky.
MP Bilirakis said: “There is nothing more frustrating for an avid fan than being drawn to the prospect of getting an affordable ticket to see your favorite sports team or band. only to find out after the checkout process that the final price is significantly higher.”
“There is nothing more frustrating for an avid fan than being drawn to the prospect of getting an affordable ticket to see your favorite sports team or band only to find out later. payment process that the final price is significantly higher.”
Gus Bilirakis, United States Representative for Florida
“Our pro-consumer bill brings much-needed transparency to the entire ticketing industry, and I am committed to working toward reforms that protect consumers and provide certainty in the marketplace. “
Under the provisions of the TICKET Act, all event ticket sellers, including primary and secondary market suppliers, will be obligated to display the complete ticket price, including all associated fees. , in any form of advertising, marketing materials and price lists; outlining the total fare, showing a detailed breakdown of each fee and the underlying fare to consumers at the start of the transaction and prior to ticket selection; and notify consumers if a ticket available for purchase is considered speculative, indicating that the seller lacks actual or constructive ownership of the ticket.
ONE bipartisan companion bill is also gaining attention in the US Senate, backed by US Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz.
Senator Cruz said on June 8 that the TICKET Act proposed in the US Senate has received the support of fans as well as important entities and organizations in the ticket industry such as StubHub and the Public Coalition. by Ticket.
He mentioned President Biden’s focus on ‘junk fees’ as a solution to combat inflation, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach. He criticized the administration’s regulatory strategy, stressing the need for evidence-based policies to arm consumers with clear information rather than implementing broad regulations that could harm consumers. America adopts rate regulation or price controls.
“Not all fees are ‘junk’ fees. Some of the fees actually serve an economic purpose,” the senator said.
“For example, most Americans understand that it makes sense to pay an ‘extra’ fee for an extra topping on a pizza. If you want more products, you have to pay a little more.
“And we know that credit card late fees or overdraft fees are meant to deter certain behaviors that, if left unchecked, can cause some Americans to subsidize the behavior of others.”
Drawing attention to the ticketing industry, Senator Cruz cited personal experience and frustration consumers experience when faced with unexpected charges during the ticketing process.
“Similar to how airlines are required to advertise full ticket prices in advance, the TICKET Act similarly works for tickets to concerts, sports and mass gatherings. The TICKET Act transparency requirements will promote competition to the benefit of all ticket buyers in the US.”
Ted Cruz, United States Senator
“That is why President Cantwell and I introduced the TICKET Act. Similar to how airlines have to advertise full ticket prices in advance, the TICKET Act works in a similar way for tickets to concerts, sports, and mass gatherings. The TICKET Act transparency requirements will promote competition to the benefit of all ticket buyers in the US.
Senator Cruz added: “Rather than using general government pricing regulations, I believe the TICKET Act is a rational, bipartisan response to identifying a known issue and offering a solution. targeted legislation that benefits all Americans.
News of the TICKET Act and related initiatives signifies a growing push from lawmakers and industry insiders to introduce more regulation into the ticketing industry.
Global Music Business
