Live Performance Australia (LPA), the representative body for the nation’s live performance industry, has revised its Ticketing Code of Practice to cover the secondary market for the first time.
Since 2001, LPA has produced a voluntary code of practice covering the ticketing industry for live performance events.
The Code provides protection for consumers in the live performance industry, and although the document itself does not carry legal force it is reflective of legal standards as expressed in Australian consumer law.
The LPA Ticketing Code is independently reviewed and re-issued every three years, and the new edition, which took effect from October 1, seeks to better reflect the growing presence of secondary ticketing companies.
The LPA Ticketing Code comprises two parts, the Consumer Code and Industry Code. LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson said: “Given the growth of ticket resale over the last few years, and concerns raised about consumer welfare, it was important to extend the Code of Practice to operators in the resale market.
“There’s a legitimate role for ticket resale – but it’s essential consumers know what they’re buying, from whom, and what their rights are in the resale market. The Ticketing Code of Practice makes clear what ticket sellers should do, and what consumers can expect from ticket sellers.
“For example, resale operators must ensure they protect consumer monies so that in the event the ticket doesn’t work, that money is returned to the purchaser. Better informed consumers will help us shut down the shonks and scammers and make sure that everyone gets a better deal: the ticket-buying public, our performers, producers and event promoters.”
Image: bbolender
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