Ticket resale is back in focus as FEAT calls for authorised channels

A European live-music alliance has renewed its call for promoter-authorised ticket resale at its annual meeting in Barcelona.

FEAT’s case for authorised transfers

Founded in 2019, FEAT argues that organiser-authorised resale can reduce fraud through the cancellation of the original barcode and the issue of a new one when tickets change hands. It says this prevents duplicate tickets and refused entry.

How replacing barcodes can tackle duplication

The issues extend beyond resale mark-ups. They also involve identifying buyers, handling disputes, disclosing fees and enforcing event terms. FEAT is calling for action against unauthorised operators and argues that price caps alone will not address those concerns.

A position in the legal debate, not a new law

FEAT represents an industry position, not a new court ruling or a universal statement of law. The legality of resale arrangements depends on national rules and contractual terms, while consumers also have a legitimate interest in transferring tickets they can no longer use. Any balanced debate needs both considerations.

What ticket buyers need to know

Representatives from seven countries attended the Barcelona meeting, including promoters and venues. For ticket buyers, the sensible approach is to use official sale or transfer channels, check entry conditions and beware offers that cannot provide reliable confirmation. The regulatory debate is not settled by FEAT’s statement alone.

Fraud prevention and consumer freedom are separate questions

Replacing an original barcode with a fresh one when a ticket is transferred may reduce duplicate entries and help venues verify legitimate holders. It cannot, by itself, settle questions about fees, price controls or the ability of fans to sell tickets they cannot use. Those concerns need to be considered alongside the industry’s desire to protect its events.

FEAT represents promoters and other live-sector professionals. Its demand for tougher action against unauthorised resale is a position within a wider policy debate, rather than a universal legal conclusion. Ticket rules vary between jurisdictions and contracts; an individual EU court ruling should not be treated as a blanket ban on every unauthorised transaction.

The practical advice to audiences is to confirm official transfer procedures before paying or reselling. The larger question is how to make transfer safe without creating unnecessary obstacles for ordinary ticket buyers. Further information: Doctor Music / FEAT.