Watchdog launches investigation into Ticketmaster over Oasis ticket sales

The investigation will consider whether Ticketmaster had engaged in unfair commercial practices,

The Competition and Markets Authority said its investigation would include how so-called ‘dynamic pricing’ may have been used in Oasis ticket sales (PA)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster over its handling of selling Oasis tickets.

CMA said its investigation would include how so-called “dynamic pricing” may have been used and would scrutinise whether the sale of tickets by Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection law.

The investigation would consider whether Ticketmaster had engaged in unfair commercial practices, if people were given clear and timely information to explain that the tickets could be subject to so-called “dynamic pricing”, and if consumers were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time – at a higher price than they understood they would have to pay.

The CMA said it would now engage with Ticketmaster and gather evidence from various other sources, which may include the band’s management and event organisers.

The CMA said it should not be assumed that Ticketmaster had broken consumer protection law.

A screengrab from the Ticketmaster website detailing the in-demand pricing information about Oasis concert tickets for sale in Manchester (PA)

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “It’s important that fans are treated fairly when they buy tickets, which is why we’ve launched this investigation.

“It’s clear that many people felt they had a bad experience and were surprised by the price of their tickets at check-out.

“We want to hear from fans who went through the process and may have encountered issues so that we can investigate whether existing consumer protection law has been breached.

“The CMA also welcomes the government’s recent announcement that it will consult on measures to provide stronger protections to consumers in the ticketing sector, wherever they buy their tickets.

“This has been a priority focus for the CMA for several years, having previously taken enforcement action and recommended changes to improve the secondary tickets market. We are committed to working closely with government to tackle the longstanding challenges in the ticket market.”