Ticket touting

Ticket touting has long been a problem for governing bodies and for spectators. In recent years it has flourished as a result of the growth of the internet and online auction sites, with the tentacles of sophisticated touting technologies spreading far and wide.

The negative impact of ticket touting is clear. Touting:

• Prices real sports fans out of their favourite events
• Diverts precious resources from sports’ grassroots
• Undermines consumer protection
• Creates public order issues at major events

Background

Major football matches and the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games have legislative protection. However, the legislation covering football has enjoyed limited success and the Metropolitan Police have made it clear that they want to see the punishments in the 2012 legislation strengthened, and made akin to those under Schedule 2 of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Current status

• The Sport and Recreation Alliance worked with Sharon Hodgson MP on her Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Private Members Bill in 2010/11. The Bill was talked out during its second reading in January 2012. For more information on Sharon's campaign visit her website.
• The Alliance will continue to work with DCMS in order to give sport protection from touts. The Major Events Bill, however, has moved well down Government’s priority list since the failed 2018 World Cup bid.

Further information

For more information contact James MacDougall.

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