By Chris Kain
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The DC Council heard varied views at a public hearing yesterday on legislation to regulate the secondary market for tickets to live concerts and performances — with operators of several local venues among those testifying in support of a proposed 10% cap on the markup above face value, but critics warning that the restriction would end up hurting consumers.

Other provisions in the bill introduced by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allenand seven other lawmakers drew more consistent support at the hearing — held by the Committee on Public Works and Operations, which has oversight of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The other aspects include a ban on “speculative” listings and sales on the secondary market before tickets are actually available; efforts to halt the widespread use of technology and bots to buy tickets in bulk when they first go on sale; and requirements for clear, conspicuous disclosure of the total price, including all fees and taxes.

“Today, regular music fans are hopelessly outmatched by digital scalpers who can buy hundreds of tickets from the box office and then resell the tickets to the same fans with a steep price increase — effectively making themselves the box office and upping the cost higher than what the artist or venue set,” Allen said in a statement ahead of yesterday’s hearing. “They aren’t offering choice or competition; they’re just middlemen, adding cost and uncertainty and making the experience worse for consumers, artists, and small venues. It’s time to rein in these anti-consumer, anti-small business, deceptive practices.”

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