With the implementation of A5611, significant changes are anticipated in how ticket issuers and resellers operate. The bill empowers the Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce new regulations, which allow for substantial penalties for violations, including fines of up to $50,000 per infraction. These measures aim to safeguard consumers against deceptive practices, thereby enhancing their overall experience in the live event space. The bill’s disclosure requirements for large events and ticket resale platforms are notable changes that reflect a commitment to consumer information and empowerment.
Summary
A5611 is a legislative bill introduced in New Jersey aimed at reforming the regulations surrounding ticket sales and resales in the live event marketplace. The bill seeks to enhance consumer protections and address issues related to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in ticketing practices. Key provisions include mandates for the full disclosure of ticket prices, including all fees, prior to purchase, thus promoting transparency for consumers participating in ticket transactions. Furthermore, it prohibits unjust practices, such as price inflation during the purchasing process and limits on ticket transferability without alternative options provided to customers.
Contention
While A5611 has received support for its intentions to protect consumers, there are points of contention concerning its implications for ticket market dynamics. Critics may argue that the restrictions imposed on resale practices could limit flexibility for both sellers and buyers. The prohibition on requiring resale through specific platforms could hinder certain business models that rely on exclusivity. Additionally, the bill's provisions related to penalties for using automated purchasing systems and bots are designed to deter unfair practices but may raise questions among technology enthusiasts and industry stakeholders about enforcement and operational feasibility.
Requires certain notice when redirecting consumers to website for ticket resale and establishes certain requirements for websites offering tickets for resale.
Requires certain notice when redirecting consumers to website for ticket resale and establishes certain requirements for websites offering tickets for resale.
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).
Ticket sale disclosure required, ticket sale conduct prohibited, data disclosure to the commissioner of commerce required, and enforcement allowed by the commissioner of commerce.