Martin Starts Consultation On Concert Ticket Adverts

"Music, Sport And Theatre Fans Get Opportunity To Have Their Say On Booking Fees And Hidden Charges"

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin announced on Monday that he had begun a public consultation on the way the prices for concerts, theatres and music festivals are advertised.

As part of the consultation, the minister is also proposing to extend the existing regulations to sporting and other events.

Members of the public, concert and event promoters and other interested parties are being invited to make submissions to ensure that the prices charged are transparent and that fans are not hit by hidden charges.

The Minister said the review of existing rules, which require advertisements to list additional charges as a separate amount or percentage, is timely: "With online booking now the norm for many of our major music and sporting events it is important that people know exactly how much they are paying, and what they are paying for."

"There is an argument for the price of a ticket, booking fees and other charges to be included in one overall price.

"This would outlaw the sudden addition of other 'extra fees' for fans at the time of booking."

"While this is one option to be considered there are also others included in a consultation document which is being issued by my Department. I believe it is important that fans should be absolutely clear what they are paying for at the time of booking tickets for any event."

"Advertisements have been placed in the national newspapers inviting submissions on this issue.

"I would encourage all music, sporting and theatre fans who frequently buy tickets to take time out to consider the consultation paper. Fans and other interests have until August 10th to have their say", he concluded.