UK Ticket Touting Ban Faces Delay Despite Industry Pressure from Ed Sheeran, The Cure, and Others
A proposed ban on ticket touting in the UK, backed by prominent artists like Ed Sheeran and The Cure, may be delayed despite widespread support from the music industry.
The Cure, Ed Sheeran, and other major music industry figures are urging the U.K. government to proceed with its manifesto pledge to ban ticket reselling above face value. The delay comes despite promises made during the 2024 election campaign by the Labour party to prioritize fans in music, entertainment, and sports events.
The proposed legislation was expected to be highlighted in the upcoming King’s Speech (May 13), which outlines the government's agenda for the next parliamentary session led by Sir Keir Starmer.
However, a report by the Financial Times suggests that a full bill addressing the issue is unlikely to be included and could be delayed by a year. While a draft bill might be presented, it may not become law until 2027.
The ban has garnered significant support from across the U.K. music industry. O2, a telecommunications firm sponsoring 20 music venues including London's O2 Arena, supports the ban. Radiohead and Coldplay have also voiced their support, both in an open letter and on social media.
In November 2025, the government announced its intention to introduce legislation aimed at saving fans £112 million ($152 million) annually and ending “the business model of industrial-scale ticket touting.” Companies like StubHub and Viagogo argue that a ban would drive fans to “black markets.”
The issue has been amplified by artists frustrated with ticket sale problems. In 2024, tickets for Oasis’ reunion tour appeared on resale platforms at inflated prices, while Olivia Dean criticized Ticketmaster and AXS for “exploitative” practices during her tour's North American leg.
Last month, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee released a report advocating for the legislation and the creation of a government and industry-backed Music Fans Association.
Adam Webb, campaign manager at FanFair Alliance, stated, “We were promised fans would be put first... it would be bewildering if the Government now decided to postpone legislation.”
Annabella Coldrick, chief executive of the Music Managers Forum, added, “We were told 2026 would be the year of action, not announcements... this Government doesn’t appear to be able to actually deliver any change.”
A government spokesperson did not comment but told Billboard U.K.: “We set out decisive plans last year to stamp out touting once and for all, and we are absolutely committed to delivering on them as soon as possible.”
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