Hoping to see Harry Styles or U2 in Germany next year? A proposed cap could prevent resale tickets being offered at many times their face value.
Fans hoping to attend major sports events or see international stars in Germany in 2027 could benefit from government plans to curb inflated resale prices.
Federal Justice and Consumer Protection Minister Stefanie Hubig has drawn up a “Ticket Protection Act” that would limit what sellers can charge for second-hand tickets to concerts, sporting fixtures and other cultural events.
The draft is complete and undergoing internal government review. Hubig has said she wants the law to take effect before the next summer of sports and concerts, although no firm timetable has yet been published.
What would change?
Under the proposal, a resold ticket could cost no more than 20 percent above its original price, with the increase capped at €20.
The measure is primarily aimed at touts who deliberately buy large quantities of tickets and then offer them again at heavily inflated prices.
Hubig has called the practice a “rip-off”, arguing that it harms clubs, promoters and artists as well as ordinary fans – particularly those on tighter budgets.
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The plan would not prevent genuine concert-goers from selling tickets they can no longer use. Instead, it is intended allow resale on fairer terms, removing much of the financial incentive to buy tickets purely to make a profit.
Would a price cap work?
For consumers, the basic idea is attractive. If touts can’t make large profits, bulk-buying tickets becomes less worthwhile. That could reduce the incentive to buy tickets purely for resale, potentially leaving more available for genuine fans.
But setting a cap is only part of the solution. Experience elsewhere suggests that enforcement will be crucial. Britain is also working on legislation against for-profit ticket resale, with policymakers there considering how to stop touts and resale platforms moving offshore to avoid the rules.
Other practices may also require attention. These include automated software that rapidly buys tickets, sellers hiding their identities and “speculative” listings, where someone advertises a ticket they do not yet possess.
Some industry figures argue that price limits should be combined with anti-bot technology, verified resale marketplaces and better information for fans.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
