Failure to clamp down on ticket touts hitting consumers’ pockets – Clendennen

A critical failure to deal with ticket touts has led to the serious price gouging for the Ryder Cup 2027 at Adare Manor, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy John Clendennen highlighted that despite legislation being in effect for nearly five years, there have been no prosecutions to date, leaving a loophole for opportunistic tours to exploit.

On top of that, the Offaly TD said the Ryder Cup venue in Limerick must be added to a list of venues and events register for the law to apply to the world famous golf event.

Deputy Clendennen said: “The Sale of Tickets Act 2021 was enacted with a clear objective to protect consumers and ensure fair access to major events by prohibiting the resale of tickets at prices above face value.

“Fine Gael were proactive in this measure to stamp out ticket touting. We brought in the law and a predecessor of mine, Noel Rock, worked very hard on this. Now it needs to be properly enforced.

“However, the lack of prosecutions since its commencement in July 2021 is providing an open door for ticket touts to continue taking advantage of genuine fans.”

Evidence has emerged showing tickets for the prestigious golf event being resold at inflated prices far exceeding their official face value.

For example: Official general admission tickets for Ryder Cup 2027 practice days are advertised from €89, while match day tickets are priced at €499  In contrast to this, having examined popular secondary ticketing sites, listings show practice day tickets ranging from approximately €480 to €600, while match day tickets range from €1,000 up to €1,220 . A weekly pass, officially priced at €1,999, is listed for around €3,100 on the secondary market

Deputy Clendennen emphasised the dual responsibility in addressing this issue. 

“Firstly, there is an onus on venues and event organisers to proactively engage with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to ensure their events or venues are officially listed on the register attached to the Sale of Tickets Act 2021. This designation is crucial for the legislation to apply effectively.”

Deputy Clendennen also called for robust enforcement from the relevant authorities. 

“An Garda Síochána and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) both have a vital role to play in upholding this legislation. 

“It is imperative that they are adequately empowered to investigate and prosecute those who break the law. I have previously advocated for further supports for the CCPC, and this situation underscores the urgent need for such enhancements.” 

“Why have there been no prosecutions to date? And what is needed to make this legislation effective?

“If there have been no prosecutions, we have to question why. Is it a lack of resources, a lack of clarity in the enforcement process, or a combination of factors? 

“Let’s work together to enforce this law and kick out exploitative online ticket touts.

“We need clear action to ensure investigations are undertaken and lead to prosecutions, where necessary. We have vibrant cultural, sporting and entertainment sectors in this country. We must ensure their integrity is upheld, while ensuring fans can buy tickets at fair prices.”