By Chris Kain
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The DC Council yesterday voted 13-0 to approve legislation to regulate the resale of tickets for concerts and theatrical performances — with a 10% cap on the permissible markup from face value.

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and the bill’s other proponents call it a key consumer protection measure that will bolster DC’s theaters and music venues, but critics contend much of the bill — and particularly the price cap on resales — will benefit market-dominant Ticketmaster and hamper competing platforms such as StubHub and SeetGeek.

In a major change from the version given initial approval two weeks ago, the council voted 11-2 to eliminate language that would empower the mayor to regulate ticket fees in the primary market.

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced an amendment to strike the provision, noting that the regulatory authority would create uncertainty for local venues that rely on revenue from the fees as a fundamental part of their business model. She also cited warnings that certain fees go to performers, some of whom might opt for venues in Maryland or Virginia where there are no comparable restrictions.

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, chair of the Committee on Public Works and Operations, voted against the ame

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