New Massachusetts ticket law worries consumer

Consumer Groups Raise Concerns Over Massachusetts' New Ticket Law

Consumer advocacy groups are expressing concern that Massachusetts’ recently enacted ticket transfer law may lead to fewer protections and higher costs for event-goers. Signed by Governor Maura Healey as part of a broader economic development bill, the law introduces new regulations on ticket sales and transfers. Supporters argue it will combat exorbitant markups by scalpers, but critics fear it will empower major sellers like Ticketmaster.

The law requires ticket platforms to disclose prices clearly and bans automated ticket-buying bots. However, its most controversial provision allows event organizers to limit ticket transferability, provided this is disclosed to buyers at purchase.

Deirdre Cummings of MASSPIRG criticized this aspect, calling it "anti-consumer." She emphasized that ticket purchasers should have the freedom to resell or gift their tickets. According to Cummings, transferable tickets typically result in lower prices and more consumer options.

Proponents of the law argue it simply enhances transparency and aims to prevent ticket scalping. Senator Barry Finegold, a key negotiator, said the provision helps protect fans from inflated resale prices, citing examples of artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, who aim to keep ticket prices accessible.

Consumer groups, including MASSPIRG and the National Consumers League, urged Healey to reject the transferability language, arguing it entrenches Live Nation Entertainment’s monopoly and enables restrictive practices like forcing resales on their platforms. Critics also warn the law could undermine Attorney General Andrea Campbell's ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation and its "SafeTix" technology, which limits resale options.

The bill, finalized and passed within days, took consumer advocates by surprise. They argue the law sets a concerning precedent by endorsing restrictive resale practices, potentially reducing competition and increasing costs for fans.

Supporters maintain that these measures provide clarity and transparency without major changes for most ticket sales. As the debate continues, consumer groups are calling for revisions to the law in future legislative sessions.

Source: Wbur