Music Venue Trust backs new "ethical" ticket resale platform

The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has backed a new "ethical" resale platform for gig tickets. 

Launching tomorrow (January 29), Tickets9 hopes to offer fans "a transparent and ethical resale option" with all tickets sold on the platform capped at face value, and a £1 ticket levy on sales for events of 5,000-capacity or above.

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While tickets will still carry a 12% booking fee, Tickets9 says this will go directly to sellers, who will be required to upload proof of purchase on every listing.

“Grassroots music venues continue to face enormous financial pressure, and creating reliable, long-term income for the sector is essential," the MVT's Denzil Thomas said in a statement seen by NME. 

“Tickets9 have built direct support for our network into their platform from day one, ensuring that every qualifying resale contributes to keeping these vital spaces open," he continues. "This partnership gives fans an ethical option that makes a real difference to the places where new artists learn their craft.”

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Last year, the UK government announced a "ban" on reselling tickets above face value. While platforms will still be able to charge booking fees on tickets sold on their platforms, the government said these would be “limited” to ensure they are not artificially imposed to cover losses due to the face value cap.

“Supporting grassroots venues has been at the heart of everything we’ve built," a statement from Tickets9 reads. "By partnering with MVT before launch and donating £1 per ticket on every qualifying resale, we’re giving fans a genuinely ethical way to buy and sell tickets while helping protect the small venues we all love.”

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X