Government moves to clamp down on ticket resale profit

The UK government plans a new law to stop secondary sellers from charging more than face value for live event tickets. Many fans say it is long overdue. You have seen it yourself. A gig sells out in minutes, then the same tickets appear on resale sites for triple the price. You feel shut out before you even had a fair chance.

The government aims to stop that cycle. It wants clear rules on resale and stronger action against ticket bots. It also wants penalties for companies that treat fans like wallets instead of people. Ticketing fees already stack up. Booking fees, service fees and extra charges pile on top until one night out costs more than your weekly food shop. You should not need a payday loan to see your favourite band.

Why fans are fed up

Fans are angry, and the anger makes sense. The live music industry depends on your support. Yet profits from many events drift toward resellers who add nothing but cost. Every inflated ticket pushes fans further away from the venues and artists they love. You see big crowds online begging for tickets while someone else hoards dozens for profit. The system feels rigged.

Add to the mix known players like Viagogo and StubHub. These platforms face government scrutiny as part of the crackdown. They sit in the spotlight because many fans believe they enable massive mark ups rather than stop them. The message from the government is clear. They will be held accountable for pricing practices that lock out real fans.

There is also another truth that fans share with growing frustration. Some of the best new music comes from independent artists playing small venues. These artists rely on gig income to record songs, press vinyl and pay for fuel to get to the next show. Every pound poured into a £300 resale ticket for someone already earning millions is money that independent artists lose. Spend your money where it matters. Support artists who speak to you and build scenes that include you, not systems that drain you.

How ticketing might change

Under the planned law, event organisers will need to publish resale policies. They will also need digital ticket systems that enforce price caps and block bulk buys by automated bots. Many resellers could get fines or compensation orders if they break the rules. The government says stop treating fans like packages and start treating them like people.

Some critics argue the law might block fans from selling tickets they no longer need. That worry deserves attention, and lawmakers must protect legitimate resale at face value or lower. Still, the current situation leaves far too many fans outside. The culture of gig going should not be a luxury hobby for the highest bidder.