Those who sell tickets for live events above face value could face fines of up to €100,000.
From tomorrow (31 July), it will be illegal to re-sell tickets above face value in Ireland, following a new bill being brought into force by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.
The Sale of Tickets Act 2021 regulates the secondary ticket market where tickets are resold after their original purchase from the primary ticket market and where prices are likely to be higher than the original sale price.
The Act is said to contain "serious deterrents" for those contemplating ticket touting.
They could face fines of up to €100,000 or up to two years in prison if they sell music or sports tickets for live events above face value.
President Michael D Higgins signed the Act into law on 14 July.
This Act bans the resale of tickets to live events, matches and concerts in designated venues and for designated events at a price above face value.
However, there is an exemption for amateur sports clubs and registered charities for fundraising purposes.
Venue operators and event organisers can now apply for designation under the Act's regulations.
These regulations set out the requirements for venues or events to apply for designation where certain conditions are met.
These include the venue having the capacity to hold 1,000 people or more and the operator being of the reasonable opinion that the venue will hold events that will give rise to over-priced secondary selling.
They also include events where the operator is of the reasonable opinion that the event is of such a nature that it could lead to over-priced secondary selling.
The Tánaiste said: “We have heard all too often of the experiences of fans waiting patiently to buy tickets only to miss out and to then see those same tickets for sale on a secondary site for far more than they can afford or would be happy to pay.
“This is a good day for genuine fans who will now have fairer access to tickets for cultural, entertainment, recreational and sporting events.
"This new law protects against profiteers seeking to unfairly gain from the resale of tickets who do not contribute in any way to benefit those with the talent and skills that the rest of society wish to appreciate at an affordable price.”
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy added: "We know demand for live events will increase as society begins to reopen, and while we continue to live with Covid-19, numbers to these events will be limited to protect public health.
"This legislation is necessary to protect fans from being ripped off by ticket touts who would exploit this.
“Of course, the benefits of this legislation will long outlive the public health measures and this legislation will ensure a fairer market so tickets can go to real fans.
“While live events have been seriously impacted over the last 18 months, with the availability of the EU Digital Covid Certificate and the successful vaccine roll-out, we can look forward to attending more live events again in a safe and fair way."
