Released on April 15, 2011
Legislation to protect Saskatchewan consumers by regulating the sale of event tickets will come into force on June 1, 2011.
The Legislature passed The Ticket Sales Act last Spring. The legislation is intended to bring transparency and fairness in entertainment ticketing. Since then, extensive consultations with stakeholders have been underway to outline the rules and to whom they apply.
"We are very pleased by the response to the consultations for The Ticket Sales Regulations," Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. "The industry in Saskatchewan and elsewhere has been helpful in providing advice to create good Regulations for successful implementation of the Act."
The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General consulted with industry representatives, tourism authorities and Enterprise Saskatchewan sector teams during the summer and fall of 2010.
Under the legislation, primary ticket sellers will not be allowed to have links to reseller websites on their websites. In addition, ticket sellers will be prohibited from selling outside a certain geographical region for the first hour to ensure residents from Saskatchewan and neighbouring provinces and states have a fair chance to purchase a ticket. The Act will also make it illegal to use computer software to automatically buy tickets.
"I am confident that The Ticket Sales Act and its regulations will provide a good balance between consumer protection and maintenance of a healthy industry," Morgan said.
The Act will not address secondary sales of tickets by consumers who purchase tickets, but are unable to use them. Also, the Act will not limit the price that can be requested for a resale ticket.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Sharon Hassard
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: sharon.hassard@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-551-9405