Ticket Selling Bill Runs Into Questions

March 13, 2013

Legislation to make it easier to resell tickets, either by an individual or an online distributor such as StubHub, squeaked through its first House committee Tuesday, but lawmakers said changes are needed for the proposal to advance.

Over the objections of performing arts and sports venues, the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee gave a 7-6 backing to the “Ticketholders’ Rights” bill (HB 163).

However, Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, advised the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, that the support is wavering and will be withdrawn if concerns from venue operators are not addressed before the legislation appears before the House Regulatory Affairs Committee.

“Even though when we say you buy the ticket it’s your right, it’s your property, but you really are renting space in an area that is being put on by a group of people,” Mayfield said.  “This (bill) is so broad and I struggle with that.”

Proponents say the bill is needed because venues offering “paperless” tickets require the ticket holder to show proof of identification to match the name when picking up tickets at “will call.”

Venue operators, such as the Tampa Bay Times Forum, contend the bill will make it easier for third-party vendors to purchase large numbers of tickets, both driving up sales prices and making it more difficult for the casual fan to attend.

They also expressed concern that the bulk purchases at college events could result in students being unable to get seats in student sections.

Ron Pierce, lobbying for the Tampa Bay Lightning, said if a person called the box office and directed that tickets be left in another’s name, the request would be allowed.

“We’re trying to address an issue that doesn’t exist,” Pierce said.  “If it existed we’d be hearing about it from our fans.”

Smith said he has been trying to work on the bill with proponents and opponents, but so far the backers of the legislation have been more willing to discuss the proposal.

“My concern is that when you buy that ticket, and you own it, and if you don’t want to own it and you want someone else to own it, you can transfer it,” Smith said. “If you want to give it away at a charity you can.  This is the intent of the bill.”

By The News Service of Florida

Comments

2 Responses to “Ticket Selling Bill Runs Into Questions”

  1. dennis and lisa on March 13th, 2013 10:26 am

    I agree with jane. with this law instead of paying $100.00 for a florida state ticket i can pay a scalper $200.00 for the same seat. Brillant work.

  2. Jane on March 13th, 2013 6:52 am

    Now we can join the ranks of the ticket scalpers. Many other states make this illegal. So why is it OK here? Someone please tell me why this is a usefull law?

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