The Face-value European Alliance for Ticketing (FEAT) has joined a list of 30 signatories in a statement penned by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) concerning the European Union’s upcoming Digital Services Act. 

Addressed to members of the European Parliament, Council and Commission, the statement, which references the problems caused by secondary ticketing, calls for the Digital Services Act to set out “effective and unambiguous rules [...] to tackle illegal activities and rogue traders”.

FEAT wants online marketplaces to become liable when they fail to carry out basic due diligence, or fail to put a stop to illegal activity on their site once they are aware of it. The letter also recommends marketplaces be required to set up a robust verification system for traders. 

Amendments to the Commission’s proposal for the Digital Services Act are currently in discussion, with the Parliamentary committee responsible preparing to vote on the final text it wishes to take forward. 

FEAT director Sam Shemtob said: “Secondary ticketing legislation across Europe takes the form of a patchwork of laws that differ from state to state. This enables unscrupulous marketplaces with deep pockets to operate with impunity – ripping off fans and damaging the entire live sector. 

“By increasing accountability and introducing basic due diligence requirements that are uniform across Europe, the Digital Services Act can help create a ticket resale ecosystem that stops  fans being ripped off and strengthens the recovery of the live sector post-Covid.”

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