Originally published December 12 2005
UK promoters call for a halt of online Olympic ticket sales
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Major promoters in the UK feel unofficial agencies and auctions deceive, defraud and cheat fans. Promoters want the new anti-touting law for the 2012 London Olympics to be extended to all events.
Some unofficial agencies and auctions deceive and defraud fans as well as charging high prices, promoters say.
But the government is not convinced a new law is needed and wants promoters to tackle the problem themselves.
Events from Live 8 to The Ashes and concerts by stars including Robbie Williams, Sir Cliff Richard and The Darkness have all recently fallen victim to online touts.
Promoters say a new anti-touting law for the 2012 London Olympics should be extended to all events.
"The fact that touts are allowed to trade at concerts is a disgrace," Live 8 promoter Harvey Goldsmith told the BBC News website.
Some unofficial online sellers have come under fire for not delivering paid-for tickets or providing a different seat, venue or date.
Sir Cliff Richard Sir Cliff Richard complained when tickets for his shows were touted "The internet has exacerbated the problem enormously because it's given everybody the potential to re-sell tickets," said Jonathan Brown, secretary of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
Rob Ballantine, director of SJM Concerts and spokesman for the Concert Promoters' Association, said new legislation would make it easier to catch "unscrupulous" traders.
"If they were to make touting illegal, then we would be able to go after these people and take action against them," he said.
Peter Tudor, head of Wembley Arena and chairman of the National Arenas Association, added that touting was no longer just "guys standing outside venues saying 'tickets for sale'".
Other organisations at the meeting include eBay, the Society of London Theatre, the English Cricket Board and the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, which organises the Wimbledon championships.
A new law would be a last resort for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), but it has not been ruled out.
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