Yes, it is legal to resell tickets for most events in the UK. However, there are some restrictions and things to be aware of when reselling tickets. The key considerations when reselling tickets in the UK include:
- The terms and conditions of the original ticket purchase
- Any ticket resale restrictions imposed by the event organizer or venue
- Complying with Consumer Protection legislation
- Avoiding ticket touting laws
By following some basic guidelines, you can legally resell spare tickets in the UK. This article outlines the key rules and regulations around reselling tickets to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
Can I legally resell a ticket in the UK?
In general, reselling a ticket you can no longer use is legal in the UK. However, there are some important exceptions and conditions to be aware of:
- You must own the ticket you are reselling and have the legal right to sell it
- The original ticket must allow resale – check the terms and conditions
- Any resale restrictions specified by the event organizer must be followed
- You must not sell fake or duplicated tickets or sell tickets dishonestly
- Buyers must be provided with all original documentation, certificates, and terms & conditions
As long as you comply with these conditions, you are normally entitled to resell spare tickets that you genuinely cannot use. However, the specific terms and conditions of each ticket should always be checked carefully.
Does the Consumer Rights Act 2015 allow resale?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides some legal protection for buyers when reselling tickets in the UK. Under this Act:
- Tickets must be sold ‘in a way that is fair’ and with ‘reasonable care and skill’
- Buyers have rights if tickets are not as described, not fit for purpose or if the seller is unable to provide rightful access
- Buyers can claim damages if issues are not resolved and may be entitled to a refund
This means that resellers must provide accurate descriptions and ensure tickets are valid and allow entry. Buyers also have recourse if issues arise. However, the Act does not override specific event terms and conditions that prohibit resale.
What are the restrictions on reselling tickets?
While reselling tickets is legal in general, many major events and venues impose restrictions that must be followed:
Terms & Conditions
The original ticket terms and conditions will often prohibit or limit resale. Breaching the terms can void the ticket and may carry penalties. Always check the T&Cs first.
Event Organizer Restrictions
Many organizers explicitly ban ticket resale or only allow sales via approved resellers or exchanges. This includes major concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Their terms must be followed.
Venue Conditions
Some venues do not allow ticket resale or have set rules e.g. paperless/mobile only tickets. Check venue policies before reselling.
Price Caps
For some major events, there are limits on maximum resale prices to prevent extortionate touting. This includes the Olympic Games and some music festivals.
By complying with all applicable restrictions, you can legally resell spare tickets in a fair and reasonable way.
What constitutes ticket touting?
Ticket touting refers to the unauthorized and unethical resale of tickets, often at inflated prices. Specific laws make some touting practices a criminal offence:
Mass Buying To Resell at Profit
It is illegal under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to mass-purchase tickets solely to resell at a profit. This can lead to fines or jail time.
Using Bots or Computer Programs
The use of bots, specialized software or network of connections to buy up large ticket inventories is illegal. This may lead to prosecution.
Forging Tickets
Forging or counterfeiting tickets is a criminal act under Forgery and Counterfeiting Acts. This can lead to substantial fines and prison sentences.
Selling Fake Tickets
Knowingly selling invalid or used tickets is illegal under Consumer Protection laws. Traders face fines, seizure of assets and potential imprisonment.
Avoid any resale practices that constitute ticket touting, such as mass-buying tickets solely for unfair resale.
Best practices for legally reselling a ticket
To legally and fairly resell a spare ticket that you cannot use, follow these best practices:
- Check the original T&Cs allow resale and follow any restrictions
- Make sure the ticket is valid and you have the right to resell it
- Disclose the original purchase price and face value
- Provide the buyer will all documentation and purchase information
- Accurately describe all ticket details, conditions, restrictions
- Use a fair, reasonable resale price – not inflated tout prices
- Utilize reputable ticket resale platforms
- Declare any income from ticket resale to tax authorities
By taking these steps, you can legally resell spare tickets while protecting yourself and the buyer. Avoid any activity that could breach Consumer laws.
Reselling platforms vs classified listings
There are two main methods for reselling tickets legally in the UK:
Specialized Ticket Resale Platforms
Purpose-built resale platforms like StubHub, Twickets and Viagogo allow buyers and sellers to trade tickets securely. They provide:
- Verification processes to check ticket validity
- Dispute resolution and buyer guarantees
- Compliance with applicable ticket resale regulations
- High visibility for buyers and sellers
The major downside is that these platforms charge fees, with sellers often paying 10-20% commission.
Classified Listings
Listings on sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or newspaper classifieds allow sellers to list tickets directly to buyers for free or very low cost.
However, there are risks around security, ticket validity and lack of buyer protection. Only use classifieds for small, low-value personal ticket sales.
For high-profile, high-value events, a specialist resale platform offers more protection and compliance. But for small sales, classified ads can work if precautions are taken.
Tax obligations when reselling tickets
If reselling tickets at a profit, you may have tax obligations:
- In the UK, you must declare any income from ticket resale to HMRC
- Tickets sold at below market value are generally exempt
- If profits exceed £1,000 per year, you should register for self-assessment
- Keep detailed records of any ticket resale activities and expenses
- Consider speaking to an accountant if you conduct frequent ticket resales
Don’t try to avoid tax on ticket resales – you may face financial penalties if found to breach obligations.
How Brexit impacts ticket resale
Brexit has not substantially changed the laws around reselling tickets in the UK. The key impacts are:
- The UK has adopted EU consumer laws like the Consumer Rights Act into national law, maintaining buyer protections
- Existing UK legislation around ticket touting remains in force
- There is no disruption to resale between the UK and EU at present
- In future, changes to data sharing and e-commerce rules could affect resale platforms
While Brexit enables the UK to diverge from EU rules long-term, so far it has not led to major changes for ticket resellers and buyers.
Steps for buyers when purchasing resale tickets
If you are purchasing tickets on the secondary resale market in the UK, follow these steps for your protection:
- Check seller reviews and only use trusted platforms or sellers
- Review ticket information in detail before purchase
- Understand your rights and the platform’s guarantees before buying
- Pay by credit card for purchase protection
- Ensure you receive genuine ticket documentation from the seller
- Register purchased tickets with the event organizer if possible
- Be wary of prices that seem too low as they may indicate fraud
While there are risks, you can safely purchase resale tickets by being an informed buyer and following sensible precautions.
Conclusions
Reselling tickets you genuinely cannot use is legal in the UK as long as some common-sense rules are followed:
- Always check and comply with applicable Ticket Terms and Conditions
- Follow any ticket resale restrictions or limits imposed
- Sell fairly and ethically – avoid touting
- Use reputable resale platforms where possible for protection
- Declare profits to tax authorities and retain records
- For buyers, research seller reputation and know buyer rights
While some major events prohibit transfers, you can legally resell many tickets. Take reasonable steps to stay compliant, fair and ethical. With appropriate precautions on both sides, ticket resale provides an invaluable second chance for fans to enjoy live entertainment.