Reaction from artists, managers, and consumer groups was mixed: many back price caps to reduce exploitation and improve affordability, while critics warn caps could push resale underground and raise fraud on unregulated platforms.

The UK government unveiled plans to outlaw resale of live event tickets for more than the original face value plus unavoidable fees, aiming to curb industrial-scale touting and protect fans.

Resale platforms, including secondary sites and social media, would be legally required to monitor compliance and enforce price caps, with penalties up to 10% of global turnover under the DMCC Act.

The government outlined two responses and said enabling legislation is being prepared.

Source: Reuters.

Support for the measure comes from a government news release, with reporting from The Guardian and The New York Times noting legality, scope, and expected impact.

The announcement was expected to be tied to the King’s Speech or broader government agenda as a high-priority policy move.

International observers welcomed the action and suggested it could set a global precedent.

The policy was announced jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Business and Trade.

Major industry players and groups expressed alignment, including Virgin Media O2, AXS UK, Live Nation/Ticketmaster, and several bands such as alt-J, Mumford & Sons, Keane, and Bastille.

Politicians and advocacy groups welcomed the move as long-campaigned-for protection of fans, artists, venues, and the live-events sector, with pledges to push a bill promptly.

Parliamentarians and groups like FanFair Alliance described the reform as overdue and necessary to safeguard the artist–fan relationship and address rising touring costs.