Combating Unfair Practices In The Live Entertainment Market

• The live concert and entertainment industry in America is facing issues due to middlemen, such as ticket scalpers, who charge excessive fees and manipulate the ticket purchasing process.
• Fans are often forced to pay exorbitant prices (up to 70 times face value) to attend events, with profits going to scalpers instead of artists.
• The Administration aims to make the arts and entertainment more accessible and is focused on eradicating exploitative practices in the ticketing industry.

Action Directives:

• The Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are tasked with enforcing competition laws in the concert and entertainment sectors.
• The FTC will rigorously enforce the Better Online Ticket Sales Act and collaborate with State Attorneys General for effective enforcement.
• Steps will be taken to ensure price transparency during the ticket purchasing process.
• The FTC will assess and address unfair practices in the secondary ticketing market.
• The Secretary of the Treasury and Attorney General will ensure scalpers comply with tax laws and other regulations.

Reporting Requirements:

• A report outlining implementation actions and potential regulatory or legislative recommendations is to be submitted within 180 days by the Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, and FTC Chairman.

Additional Provisions:

• The order does not affect existing authority or functions of agencies involved.
• Implementation is contingent upon legal compliance and available funding.
• The order does not create any legal rights enforceable by any party against the U.S. government.