The introduction of SB328 represents a significant change in how ticket sales are conducted, especially in New Hampshire. By mandating that ticket resellers clearly disclose all associated costs up front, the bill seeks to promote transparency and prevent misleading practices that have plagued the ticket selling market. The bill is expected to affect a range of stakeholders, including ticket issuers, venue operators, and consumers, by holding resellers accountable for their sales practices and ensuring they operate within the bounds of clear consumer regulations.
Summary
Senate Bill 328 (SB328) addresses deceptive practices in ticket sales by introducing stricter regulations for ticket resellers and secondary ticket exchanges. The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring clear disclosures on ticket pricing, including all fees and surcharges. It specifically prohibits speculative ticket sales, whereby sellers offer tickets they do not possess at the time of sale. This regulation targets common scams where consumers purchase tickets that may not be available upon the event date, thereby seeking to instill confidence in ticket transactions among buyers.
Contention
While proponents support SB328 for enhancing consumer trust and reducing fraudulent ticket sales, there may be contention regarding the regulation of secondary ticket exchanges. Critics argue that the bill could limit the flexibility of resellers and reduce overall ticket availability for consumers who might benefit from these sales. Additionally, there could be concerns about the practicality of enforcing the proposed regulations, particularly in the face of emerging digital ticketing platforms and marketplace innovations.