‘TICKET Act’ passed in the US to enforce transparency in event pricing

A new bill has been passed by the US House of Representatives to enforce more transparency in event pricing.

The Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act was passed yesterday, May 15, calling for a total reform of the ticketing industry.

“This bill requires ticket sellers (including sellers on the secondary market) for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose [fees] at the beginning of the transaction,” reads a summary of the bill.

It adds that prior to the selection of a ticket when purchasing, the total price - including an “itemised list” of added fees such as processing fees and facility charges - should be presented to the buyer.

Read this next: Experts propose £1 ticket levy for arena and stadium gigs to support grassroots music

“The total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement, marketing, or price list. Currently, ticket sellers generally disclose fees at the checkout stage.”

Those attempting to sell their non-physical tickets must also “clearly and prominently disclose that the ticket is not in their possession” before a buyer can select it.

The newly passed legislation moves one step closer to becoming an official law. It must go through the Senate before it reaches President Joe Biden, who could sign the bill off.

Read this next: Nine out of 10 people believe the ticketing industry should be safer, report reveals

The TICKET Act received bipartisan support, passing with 338 votes to 24. In December, the US House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill at 45 to 0.

The act was brought in by Democratic representative Jan Schakowsky and Republican representative Gus Bilirakis in June 2023 amidst calls for transparency around ticket sales.

So far, the TICKET Act has picked up support from the Fix the Tix Coalition and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), both independent groups pushing for a fairer ticketing industry.

Read a summary of the TICKET Act here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter