VanDeHoef, President of FanFreedom on RI's “Ancient” Ticket Resale Laws
VanDeHoef, President of FanFreedom on RI's “Ancient” Ticket Resale Laws
Representatives Robert Craven and William O'Brien are pushing a bill (H 7971) to update Rhode Island’s “ancient ticketing laws.”
Rhode Island is one of only six remaining states that have major restrictions on the resale of tickets on the books as Rhode Island’s ticket laws were written before the internet was created and became the leading marketplace for ticket sales and resale.
“Rhode Island’s antiquated ticket resale law prohibits individuals from reselling tickets for more than $3 or 10% (whichever is greater) above ‘face value,’ unless they have received written permission from the venue. Even then, the venue is unilaterally able to dictate the resale price, limit competition, and thereby disadvantage consumers,” says FanFreedom.
The lobbying effort says Rhode Island should update its laws to:
· Guarantee fans the right to resell their tickets to other fans at a mutually agreed upon price, without fear of criminal consequence;
· Ensure ticket buyers always have the choice to buy a freely transferable ticket; and
· Prohibit ticket issuers from penalizing ticket buyers who choose transfer, resell, give away, or donate their tickets.