Ticketmaster has initiated the process of removing resale tickets for Ontario events in adherence to a new provincial law that limits the pricing of such tickets to face value. The company’s spokesperson, Shabnum Durrani, mentioned that customers will have the opportunity to re-list their tickets once the resale marketplace is updated next week. Durrani emphasized Ticketmaster’s dedication to establishing a fair and secure ticket marketplace within the boundaries of all relevant laws and regulations, with ongoing communication to customers regarding the changes.
This action follows the passing of the budget bill by the Ontario government, which includes the imposition of a cap on resale ticket prices. The bill received royal assent recently, addressing concerns raised by consumers about resellers acquiring tickets to high-demand events and reselling them at inflated prices.
Amendments to the 2017 Ticket Sales Act were announced by the government last month, prompted by criticisms of exorbitant resale prices for events like the World Series and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. Despite opposition to the resale cap by platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek, they expressed intentions to comply with the law, seeking further guidance from the province.
While concerns about the impact of price caps on fans persist, the move is seen as a positive step by some experts, such as Vass Bednar from the Canadian SHIELD Institute. However, others like Rotman School of Business professor Richard Powers question the viability of reselling platforms under the new rule, emphasizing the need for sustainable business models in the industry.
As the law’s effectiveness hinges on enforcement, stakeholders await clarity on the regulations to gauge their impact on the ticket resale landscape and consumer experience. The debate continues on whether the law will effectively deter unfair practices in the ticket resale market.