California's Anti-Speculative Ticket Bill Gains Support From NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has endorsed a California bill aimed at banning speculative ticketing, a practice where resellers list tickets they don't actually own.
Introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan as Bill AB 1349, the legislation would require resellers to prove ownership of tickets before listing them on secondary marketplaces. The bill includes three key provisions:
- Resellers must own tickets before listing them for sale
- Listings must clearly display seat locations
- Resellers cannot create websites that mimic official venue or ticketing platforms
California city skyline at sunset
NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker called the bill "a significant step toward protecting consumers, artists, and independent venues from deceptive resale practices." He emphasized the importance of maintaining fair access and fan trust in live entertainment.
Jim Cornett, NIVA CA Chapter President, highlighted the current challenges venues face with invalid tickets and misleading prices. As owner of multiple Sacramento venues including Harlow's, The Starlet Room, and Café Colonial, Cornett supports the measure as crucial protection for consumers, independent venues, and artists.
The bill aims to increase transparency in ticket reselling while protecting fans from fraudulent practices and excessive markups. If passed, it would represent a major reform in California's concert ticketing industry.
Wicked theater sign at night