STAR launch secondary ticketing code

Following on from Which?'s criticism of five of the leading secondary ticketing sites including StubHub and Viagogo for flouting the provisions of the newly passed Consumer Rights Act, the Society Of Ticket Agents And Retailers (STAR) has announced plans to develop a code of practice for the secondary ticketing market in the UK, with a view to inviting ticket resale firms that sign up to the new rules to become members of the organisation. The ticketing body, which provides a code of practice for primary ticketing agents in a bid to ensure protection for consumers, has yet to say what the code will say, but CMU opine that "It will likely include various consumer guarantees already contained in the terms and conditions of sites like StubHub, Viagogo and Seatwave, but might go further. Proposals already on the table include ensuring that resales are governed by UK law, and providing some sort of seating information."

STAR CEO Jonathan Brown said: "Customers deserve clear information about where they can buy tickets safely. STAR recognises that the UK ticketing industry has rapidly changed in recent years and today's consumers expect greater levels of choice and protection. They need to know how and where they can buy tickets safely, whether they choose to buy them from the primary or secondary sectors. To increase clarity for ticket buyers, STAR will therefore develop standards of best practice to which we hope resale businesses that take consumer protection seriously will subscribe".