Ticketmaster has initiated the removal of resale tickets for Ontario events to adhere to a recent provincial law that limits the pricing of such tickets to their original value. According to Ticketmaster’s spokesperson, Shabnum Durrani, customers will have the option to re-list their tickets next week once the platform updates its resale marketplace. Durrani emphasized Ticketmaster’s dedication to establishing a fair and secure ticket marketplace that complies with all relevant laws and regulations, noting that customers have been informed of the adjustments.
The action follows the passing of a budget bill by the Ontario government, which included the imposition of a cap on resale ticket prices. This measure was enacted in response to consumer grievances regarding resellers acquiring tickets for high-demand events, such as the previous year’s World Series and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and then selling them at significantly inflated prices.
Updates to the 2017 Ticket Sales Act were revealed by the government last month, following the premier’s commitment to reviewing legislation due to exorbitant resale ticket prices for the World Series in Toronto. While it was initially expected that tickets for FIFA World Cup events in Toronto this summer would be exempt from the resale cap, a spokesperson clarified that the cap would indeed be applicable to the sporting event.
StubHub and SeatGeek expressed opposition to the change in policy despite intending to comply with the law. According to a StubHub spokesperson, price caps may expose fans to increased ticket fraud without reducing costs. Conversely, SeatGeek’s vice-president of government relations highlighted concerns about the impact of price caps on fans and emphasized the importance of advocating for the best outcome for customers.
Furthermore, discussions surrounding the effectiveness and implications of the new law have sparked varied opinions. While some view it as a positive step towards creating a more predictable and accessible ticket market, others raise concerns about potential consequences, such as the impact on reselling platforms’ operations and the consolidation of power among major ticket companies like Ticketmaster. The effectiveness of the law in deterring non-compliance remains uncertain, with questions raised about the adequacy of potential fines as a deterrent.
In conclusion, the implementation and enforcement of the new law will likely shape the landscape of ticket resale in Ontario, impacting both consumers and the companies involved in the ticketing industry.