Blackburn aims to safeguard artists, fans in online ticket marketplace

The current live event ticketing system that’s used online would be reformed under bipartisan legislation offered recently by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“Fans have become increasingly frustrated with how difficult it has been to obtain affordable tickets to see their favorite artists perform,” Sen. Blackburn said. “Bots are snatching up tickets and selling them for exorbitant prices on secondary markets, while some ticketing companies are selling speculative event tickets that don’t even exist. This bipartisan legislation builds upon my work to safeguard artists and their fans in the online ticket marketplace.”

Sen. Blackburn joined four other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to introduce the Fans First Act, S. 3457, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to promote fairness in the sale of event tickets.

“Buying a ticket to see your favorite artist or team is out of reach for too many Americans,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “From ensuring fans get refunds for canceled shows to banning speculative ticket sales, this bipartisan legislation will improve the ticketing experience.”

If enacted, S. 3457 would require all live event ticket sellers and resellers to disclose the total cost of the ticket, including fees, when the fan initially selects a ticket for purchase; a breakdown of the ticket cost; clear terms and conditions of purchase; which seat or section they are selling to avoid ticket misrepresentation; and whether they are the original seller, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

Additionally, S. 3457 would bolster the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, signed into law in 2016, to further prohibit the use of bots to purchase tickets online, and require sellers and resellers to provide proof of purchase to consumers within 24 hours of purchase.

Among several other provisions, the bill would require sellers and resellers to refund consumers the full cost of the ticket when events are canceled, impose civil penalties on resellers engaging in illegal ticket sale practices, and create a reporting website for fans to file complaints, the summary says.

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and is supported by numerous entities, including the National Independent Venue Association, the Recording Industry Association of America, the National Independent Talent Organization, Eventbrite, the International Association of Venue Managers, and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, among many others.