TICKET Act
The TICKET Act (Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act) aims to protect consumers purchasing tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment by requiring transparent pricing and prohibiting deceptive practices. The bill mandates that ticket sellers display the total ticket price (including all fees) upfront throughout the purchasing process, rather than adding hidden fees at checkout. It also bans speculative ticket sales (selling tickets not yet in possession), requires clear disclosure when tickets are being resold on secondary markets, and establishes refund requirements for canceled or postponed events. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these provisions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment and applies to events with capacity exceeding 200 people that are open to the public and involve interstate commerce.
Key Points
- 1All-inclusive pricing required: Ticket sellers must display the total price (base price plus all fees) prominently from the first moment a ticket is shown to a consumer, in all advertisements and throughout the purchasing process
- 2Speculative ticketing banned: Sellers cannot offer tickets for sale unless they actually possess those tickets, though they may offer services to help obtain tickets if clearly distinguished and disclosed
- 3Secondary market disclosure: Resellers must clearly state they are engaged in secondary sales and cannot falsely claim affiliation with venues, teams, or artists without authorization
- 4Refund guarantees: Consumers must receive full refunds for canceled events, and for events postponed more than 6 months, consumers can choose between a refund or replacement ticket
- 5FTC enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the act with the same authority used for unfair or deceptive trade practices, with a requirement to report on enforcement of the existing BOTS Act within 6 months