A last-minute lobbying effort by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), known for supporting Live Nation Entertainment’s legislative agenda, is threatening to include a bipartisan TICKET Act in the year-end budget bill. Despite its public support for the bill, NIWA affiliates urged Congress to reject the bill, instead aiming for business-friendly legislation.
The ticketing bill, which was broadly approved by the House, appears to promise consumer protections such as all-ticket pricing, cost transparency, a ban on ticketing, and mandatory refunds provided for canceled meetings Regulations” opens the possibility for areas to enact their own general rules to provide
Consumer advocates condemned the reversal of NIWA and urged Congress to take a stand. “The TICKET Act is the first step in protecting consumers,” said John Breyault of the National Consumer Federation. “Lawmakers must resist industry pressure and pass this much-needed reform.”
Brian Hayes of the Sports Fans Association agreed: “Congress has a unique opportunity to pass sensible ticketing reform before next year’s concert season. Special entertainment shouldn’t make it work at a cut-off point.” to him in the.
Niva did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.