Olympic ticket touting – could be expensive for all concerned

Section 31 of the London Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence for any organisation or individual to offer Olympic tickets for sale if not authorised to do so by LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games). So far (and it does not look likely to change) there are only three official organisations authorised to provide Games Breaks and Hospitality Packages and just one official provider of tickets alone (LOCOG). The fine for all others selling tickets in a public place or for a profit is currently £5,000. However, in an effort to warn off ticket touts at the Olympics, the Home Secretary recently announced that the fine will be increased to £20,000.  So anyone who sells their tickets on public auction websites would be committing a criminal offence, as would the auction website itself.   As for those who purchase a ticket from a tout who has contravened section 31, they will be in breach of the ticket terms and conditions. That means that the ticket may be seized or cancelled without refund, and entry to the session prohibited.

Whilst it is anticipated that this legislation is aimed at organised ticket touts, it remains to be seen if it will be enforced against general members of the public who fall foul of this Act.

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