Ticket Brokers; exception permitting certain resale restrictions; remove
Impact
If enacted, SB183 would significantly change the regulatory landscape surrounding ticket sales by preventing event sponsors and venue owners from imposing resale limitations. This could lead to increased access and lower prices for consumers who wish to buy tickets from resellers. Moreover, the removal of such restrictions may stimulate competition among ticket brokers, potentially driving down costs and enhancing availability for popular events. However, it may also introduce challenges related to price inflation and speculative buying as brokers might purchase tickets in bulk to resell at higher prices, possibly alienating some fans.
Summary
SB183 aims to amend existing legislation regarding ticket brokers in Georgia, specifically addressing the resale of tickets for various entertainment events. The bill seeks to eliminate exceptions that currently allow certain resale restrictions, declaring such restrictions void and against public policy. By doing so, it aims to create a more market-friendly environment that encourages the free resale of event tickets, potentially benefiting both consumers and resale businesses. This legislative change aligns with broader trends of deregulation in areas of commerce and consumer rights.
Sentiment
The response from the community and stakeholders regarding SB183 has been mixed. Supporters argue that the bill fosters an open market that benefits consumers and provides more options for ticket purchasing, stating that it ensures a fairer system for those unable to buy tickets at face value. Conversely, opponents express concern over the potential for ticket prices to skyrocket as a result of increased resale activity, which could limit access for average consumers to popular events. This creates a divide between those advocating for market freedom and those worried about the implications for everyday fans.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB183 include the balance between free market principles and consumer protection. Critics highlight that by deregulating the resale market, the bill could lead to 'touting' where brokers profit excessively from limited ticket availability, ultimately harming genuine fans. Additionally, the concern that this will undermine efforts to allow events to cater to their audience—especially for nonprofit or community-based events—poses another point of debate. The legislative discourse surrounding SB183 reflects broader discussions on how best to regulate emerging market practices while safeguarding public interests.
Enacts into law components of legislation that relate to live event ticket sales; establishes an annual professional reseller renewal fee; requires professional ticket resellers to provide their New York state ticket reseller license number as a condition of utilizing an online resale marketplace to resell tickets (Part A); provides criteria for when a purchaser may obtain a full refund of the amount paid for a ticket (Part B); relates to resale requirements for tickets; requires that if a licensee or other ticket reseller doesn't have possession of the ticket, then they shall have a written contract to obtain the offered ticket at a certain price from a person or entity in possession of the ticket or from a person or entity who has a contractual right to obtain such ticket, and tickets to the event have been placed on sale by the venue or entity hosting the event or its authorized agent before the licensee or reseller can advertise the sale of the tickets (Part C); relates to unlawful charges in connection with tickets; permits reasonable charges for costs actually rendered or otherwise in connection to customer support, technological and software infrastructure, and actual operational costs for sales away from the box office; defines terms (Part D); relates to the availability of tickets for sale to the general public; defines a term (Part E); relates to the resale of tickets included in a subscription or season ticket package (Part F); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to tickets to places of entertainment (Part G).
Enacts into law components of legislation that relate to live event ticket sales; establishes an annual professional reseller renewal fee; requires professional ticket resellers to provide their New York state ticket reseller license number as a condition of utilizing an online resale marketplace to resell tickets (Part A); provides criteria for when a purchaser may obtain a full refund of the amount paid for a ticket (Part B); relates to resale requirements for tickets; requires that if a licensee or other ticket reseller doesn't have possession of the ticket, then they shall have a written contract to obtain the offered ticket at a certain price from a person or entity in possession of the ticket or from a person or entity who has a contractual right to obtain such ticket, and tickets to the event have been placed on sale by the venue or entity hosting the event or its authorized agent before the licensee or reseller can advertise the sale of the tickets (Part C); relates to unlawful charges in connection with tickets; permits reasonable charges for costs actually rendered or otherwise in connection to customer support, technological and software infrastructure, and actual operational costs for sales away from the box office; defines terms (Part D); relates to the availability of tickets for sale to the general public; defines a term (Part E); relates to the resale of tickets included in a subscription or season ticket package (Part F); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to tickets to places of entertainment (Part G).