Thursday, March 28, 2024

Scalpers and ticket bots targeted by BC Government

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Struggling to find affordable tickets for a concert or event? You’re not the only one.

Scalpers and ticket bots have recently turned ticket purchases into a tactical showdown, instead of a casual activity.

But on Tuesday, the provincial government finally announced a plan to “clamp down” on high-priced ticket scalping to make live-event tickets more affordable.

“Live events should be an enjoyable experience for British Columbians, not a windfall for scalpers,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

“The action we’re taking is aimed at protecting people from unscrupulous scalpers and unfair practices that shut average people out from events in B.C.”

Click Here to fill out the survey

The survey will run for three weeks, asking British Columbians about their experiences with ticket buying, reselling, and buying from resellers.

That information will be used to develop recommendations for improving affordability, fairness and transparency.

“British Columbians are frustrated by ticket price gouging, and want action,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End.

“Working with the people of B.C., our government is acting and will develop and bring forward new consumer protections to help make the ticket-buying experience fairer and more affordable.”

Survey Questions Will Cover: 

  • How often they purchase event tickets (from resellers, online, through a venue, etc.);
  • Experiences reselling tickets
  • What changes are needed to improve the fairness in the buying and selling process.

Once the survey concludes, ministry staff will use the results to develop recommendations for improving fairness and transparency. The survey results will be available to the public later in the spring.

The survey is open to residents of British Columbia and can be taken here: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/ticketbuying

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Alistair Ogden
Former staff writer at Victoria Buzz.

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