Vermont Caps Ticket Resale Prices, Bans Speculative Ticketing

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has signed into law some of the United States’ strongest protections for live event audiences and the state’s independent venues.

The details:

• Bill H.152 caps ticket resale prices at 10% above face value.

• It also bans the sale of speculative tickets, meaning resellers can only list tickets on their platform that they already own or lawfully have under contract.

• The Bill prohibits deceptive resale websites that impersonate Vermont venues or artists by using their logos and graphics.

• It gives the Vermont Attorney General authority to enforce violations as unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Timeline:

• The legislation comes into effect on July 1.

Industry response:

• Nathaniel Marro, Executive Director of the National Independent Talent Organization: “Artists and fans can celebrate another win today in Vermont. Ticket buyers now have protection against the most predatory practices and know they're not competing against bots and brokers for the best seats. Momentum continues to build across the nation to keep resale in check and we thank all the artists and advocates who lent their voice in getting this passed.”

• Ron Gubitz, Executive Director of the Music Artists Coalition: “This is what fan-first ticketing legislation looks like. It’s targeted, it’s enforceable, and it puts power back in the hands of the people who buy tickets and the artists and venues who depend on them.”