National Consumers League statement on White House all-in pricing announcement
June 15, 2023
Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442
Washington, D.C. – The National Consumers League (NCL) today applauded the Biden Administration for securing commitments from several live event industry stakeholders to adopt more transparent ticket pricing. The consumer organization urged the White House and pro-fan leaders in Congress to pass legislations ensuring that consumers receive the benefits of all-in prices regardless of what event they wish to attend.
“We are grateful to President Joe Biden for his leadership in bringing to the table the main players in the ticketing industry,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Consumers are fed up with deceptive junk fees are glad to have an ally in the White House.”
Since 2009, NCL has worked with independent venues, ticketing companies, ticket brokers, promoters, venue owners, artists, advocates, and state and federal legislators and regulators to reform a live event industry that is rigged against consumers. NCL’s advocacy has led to pro-fan legislation being adopted in several states and well as the federal BOTS Act, which outlawed the use of ticket-buying “bot” software.
“Anyone who wants to attend concerts, sporting events, and Broadway shows knows the frustration that comes with seeing tickets advertised for one price, only to see that cost skyrocket once hidden fees are added at the end of the buying process,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud for the National Consumers League.
“The commitments made today by some of the biggest names in the live event industry are a positive step forward. However, enforceable laws to rein in junk fees in the live event marketplace are still needed. There are bills in Congress today that would create a consistent all-in pricing experience for fans regardless of who they buy tickets from. We urge the Administration to work with legislators to move these pro-consumer bills forward.”
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.