Viagogo to be taken to court by watchdog

● The secondary ticketing site failed to comply with CMA rules

One of the largest secondary ticketing websites is to be taken to court by the competitions watchdog after it failed to agree improvements which would protect consumers.

Viagogo did not agree to moves which would see significant changes made to information provided about tickets being resold through their platforms following enforcement action by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA). It has also, the watchdog said, failed to comply with a commitment given in 2015.

However, three other ticket resale websites have agreed. Stubhub, GETMEIN! and Seatwave will tell buyers if there is a chance they may get turned away at the door of the event they have purchased tickets for – and exactly where their seat will be.

To ensure people can easily

0 The Proclaimers hit out after tickets for their gigs appeared on secondary ticket sites at inflated prices find this vital information, the three platforms will make significant changes to the way they gather and display it. They will make it mandatory for sellers to provide this information when listing a ticket, routinely carry out their own checks on primary ticket sellers’ websites about resale restrictions, and act promptly if event organisers tell them information is missing.

Secondary ticketing sites have come under fire in recent months for charging inflated prices for popular gig tickets.

In March, the Proclaimers hit out at touts after tickets for their latest tour, which had a face value of £35.75, were quickly being sold on secondary ticket sites for up to £175. Trading Standards Scotland is examining businesses that buy and sell tickets in bulk.

Michael Grenfell, the CMA’S executive director for enforcement, said: “We welcome the changes already made and new commitments we’ve been given by Stubhub, Seatwave and GETMEIN! to improve the information on offer.

“But all secondary ticketing websites must play by the rulesandtreattheircustomers fairly if anything goes wrong. So far, Viagogo has failed to address our concerns, and we are determined to ensure they comply with the law. We are prepared to use the full range of our powers to protect customers – including action through the courts.”

Alex Neill, managing director of home products and services for consumer group Which?, said: “We have repeatedly exposed secondary ticketing websites, including Viagogo, for playing fast and loose with the rules so we welcome the competition authority taking strong action.

“The agreements reached with some of the biggest players in the market must now lead to much greater transparency.”

Viagogo did not respond to requests for comment.