Relative to the fair distribution and pricing of event tickets
Impact
If passed, S215 would amend Chapter 140 of the General Laws in Massachusetts. The change would directly impact practices within the ticketing industry, likely leading to a reduction in scalping and unfair pricing tactics by resellers. By restricting resellers' access to tickets before they are available to the general public, the bill supports greater transparency and accessibility in ticket sales, benefiting consumers who may otherwise face inflated prices shortly after ticket release.
Summary
Bill S215, introduced by Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry, aims to regulate the distribution and pricing of event tickets in Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to improve fairness for consumers when purchasing tickets for concerts, performances, and other events by prohibiting certain practices by ticket issuers and resellers. Specifically, the bill prohibits ticket issuers from pre-selling tickets to resellers intent on selling them in the secondary market, thus ensuring that a fair number of tickets are available directly to the public at launch time.
Contention
However, the bill could face challenges, particularly from ticket resellers who argue that their ability to operate in the secondary market is being unfairly restricted. Some industry stakeholders may insist that resellers provide a necessary service, helping distribute tickets that might otherwise not be sold. Therefore, while the bill promotes consumer protection, it also raises questions about the balance between consumer interests and the rights of ticket resellers to operate freely within the market.