The Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act (TICKET Act) would require sellers of event tickets to be fully transparent about the price. Beginning 120 days after enactment, both primary ticket issuers and secondary market ticket issuers must display the total price of a ticket (base price plus all fees) in advertisements and during the purchase process. They must also provide an itemized breakdown showing the base price and each individual fee. The bill defines “event” as most live, publicly marketed events with capacity over 200. Enforcement would be handled by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as an unfair or deceptive practice, with FTC powers and penalties applying to violations. In short: no more hidden fees or confusing pricing. If the price is shown, the total must be visible; buyers must see a clear, ongoing itemization of base price and all fees throughout the purchasing process.
Key Points
- 1All-inclusive price disclosure: Ticket issuers must clearly display the total event ticket price (base price plus all fees) in any advertisement or price list and throughout the buying process.
- 2Itemized price breakdown: Purchasers must receive an itemized list separating the base price from each individual fee (e.g., service, processing, delivery, facility charges, taxes, etc.). Optional products/services that are not required for possession of the ticket are excluded from the fee listing.
- 3Scope: Applies to events with capacity over 200 that are open to the public and marketed or sold across state lines. Covers both primary ticket issuers and secondary market ticket issuers (resellers).
- 4Timeline: Compliance required 120 days after enactment.
- 5Enforcement: Violations are treated like unfair or deceptive practices under the FTC Act. The FTC would enforce the rule with its existing authority, and violators would be subject to the FTC’s penalties and immunities.