Member

Amendments 30 and 32, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Addington, seek to further define what is meant by an “unauthorised ticketing activity”. The majority of activity this amendment seeks to regulate is already prohibited under the offence. The definition of touting in the Bill is intentionally broad. It includes where a person carries out an unauthorised ticketing activity in a public place, in the course of business, or with a view to any person making a profit. Major sporting event owners require strict controls over the resale of tickets. That is why the ticket touting offence in the Bill permits public resale only where it has been authorised by the event owner or organiser. In reality, we expect that major sporting event owners will put in place an official resale platform for such tickets. The amendments also introduce provisions on surge pricing. Businesses are already required by law to give fans clear and accurate price information before purchase, free from undue pressure or other manipulative tactics that could influence their decision.