Big win for concertgoers and sports fans alike: the UK government is moving to outlaw the resale of event tickets at a profit. Under new legislation, tickets can only be resold at their original face value, putting a stop to astronomical markups on platforms like Viagogo and StubHub.
While resale platforms will still be allowed to charge fees, these will be strictly capped so touts can’t hide massive markups behind inflated service charges. The plan also holds these platforms legally accountable: if sellers break the new rules, the platforms themselves could face penalties enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority.
This crackdown comes after high-profile pressure from artists like Coldplay, Radiohead, and Dua Lipa, who have publicly pushed back against exploitative resale practices.
Meanwhile, in Luxembourg, fans already see some protections: while there isn’t a blanket profit ban, the country closely monitors ticket resale practices, and consumer groups have long called for stronger regulations to prevent unfair markups.
It’s not just about music—it’s about fairness, access, and giving fans a genuine shot at buying tickets without fear of being exploited.