The Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland has downplayed the possibility of scrutinising how the tickets for the upcoming Oasis concerts next summer were sold despite accusations of a 400 per cent ticket price surge on Ticketmaster within moments on a Saturday morning. The CCPC outlined that there’s a lack of price regulations in Ireland except for specific, confined sectors.
Businesses have the liberty to modify their pricing in line with demand or other influencing factors, as long as the accurate price is disclosed to the buyer before the sale allowing them to decide whether they wish to proceed, stated a representative from the commission. The sale of Oasis tickets, which had fans in lines for hours as prices escalated, garnered new scrutiny on Sunday by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
While addressing an audience in Skibbereen, Co Cork, Martin expressed his shock at the skyrocketing prices fans faced when purchasing tickets for the duo’s forthcoming performances at Croke Park next August. He emphasised on the need for a thorough contemplation on this rampant cost inflation for concerts of such nature, which are anticipated by many.
Martin also highlighted the adversity faced by numerous people who are unable to afford tickets due to the aggressive price surges. He anticipates a possible reassessment by the organisers considering the disappointing sentiments shared publicly about what many consider price exploitation. The initial advertisement by concert promoter MCD indicated tickets for next August’s concerts starting “from €86.50” but with the progression of general sale on Saturday, Ticketmaster implemented what they refer to as “in-demand pricing”.
The significant increase in ticket prices for the Oasis reunion gig at Croke Park stirred a considerable amount of controversy. Fans were taken aback when they found themselves having to pay up to €415 for standing tickets, a price that doesn’t account for the additional service charge exceeding €10 put in place by Ticketmaster. This sudden and unanticipated hike in prices infuriated numerous fans who had spent hours in digital lines, only to be presented with the option of either expending an enormous amount of money or forfeiting the chance to witness Noel and Liam Gallagher’s first performance as Oasis in over a decade and a half.
Dublin’s Member of the European Parliament, Regina Doherty, was one of many calling for a comprehensive probe into Ticketmaster’s practices by the CCPC, following fans having to deal with price increases of 400% for Oasis tickets. Doherty expressed her concern that the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which includes regulations specifically designed to prevent large digital platforms from establishing arbitrary rules detrimental to consumers, was not being adhered to by Ticketmaster. The company’s ‘high demand’ ticket pricing system, she argued, seemingly ropes in every ticket for popular gigs, thus justifying the addition of a €300 levy on some standing tickets, which could be viewed as incredibly exploitative.
Despite the outrage, the CCPC dismissed any speculation about a potential investigation into Ticketmaster, stating that under Irish consumer law, the only requirement was for individuals to be properly notified about the full price of a product, including all related fees, prior to purchasing. The CCPC further clarified its mandate to ensure that customers are given thorough, accurate information about all costs related to their purchase before they proceed.
While fans found themselves in a tight spot paying ‘high-demand’ prices, believing that ticket prices were originally set lower, and given barely any time to make a purchase decision, the CCPC maintained that they were indeed informed about the cost before they opted to buy. The commission also cautioned eager fans to be wary of potential scams in the upcoming days and weeks, pointing out that the high number of frustrated fans creates a haven for fraudsters to exploit. The spokesperson concluded by advising fans to only purchase tickets if they are completely assured of the authenticity of the seller, whether the transaction takes place online or in person.