The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a UK competition regulator, has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis tickets, specifically focusing on the use of “dynamic pricing”. The investigation is set to consider whether ticket-selling platform, Ticketmaster, breached consumer protection law. Prices on Ticketmaster rose in line with demand, a practice known as dynamic pricing, where tickets to the reunion tour were originally sold.
The CMA’s probe follows widespread criticism of dynamic pricing over the past week from Oasis fans. Many stated they had paid significantly more than expected for tickets to the band’s tour next year. The band themselves also spoke out against the system and clarified that Oasis left the decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management.
However, Ticketmaster claims to have had no part in setting the ticket pricing policy, stating that the artists and promoters do this. An investigation carried out by the BBC’s Chi Chi Izundu and James Stuart found that the distinction was not as clear-cut as Ticketmaster initially made it out to be. There are three promoters for the Oasis reunion tour, all with links to one company: Live Nation, the US multinational which owns Ticketmaster.
Dynamic pricing itself is not unlawful, according to a letter from the CMA to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The CMA is inviting fans to submit evidence of their experiences in relation to the sale of tickets for the Britpop band, such as screenshots of the ordering process. John, an Oasis fan, said he found it “disgraceful” when he was faced with tickets for his family for £355 each after queuing for six hours online
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