The question of whether you can legally resell event tickets in the UK is surprisingly complicated. The short answer is: generally yes, but with significant restrictions depending on the type of event and how you acquired the tickets. Here is a clear breakdown of the law.
This article provides general legal guidance. For advice on a specific situation, consult a solicitor or Citizens Advice.
The general rule: resale is legal
In England and Wales, there is no blanket law that prohibits the resale of event tickets. If you buy a ticket and decide to sell it on -- whether at face value, below, or above -- you are generally free to do so. This is based on the principle that once you have bought a product, it is yours to do with as you wish.
However, this general rule has several important exceptions and qualifications.
Football: resale is illegal
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (Section 166) makes it a criminal offence to sell or offer to sell tickets for designated football matches without authorisation. This applies to all matches in the Premier League, EFL, and FA Cup, as well as international matches.
The offence carries a fine and potentially a football banning order. This is one of the strictest anti-touting laws in the UK and is actively enforced.
The Breaching of Limits on Ticket Sales Act 2018
This relatively new piece of legislation targets automated ticket buying (bots) rather than resale itself. It makes it illegal to:
- Use automated software to purchase more tickets than the event's terms allow.
- Resell tickets that were acquired using such software.
The Act was introduced to combat the problem of touts using bots to buy up large quantities of tickets the moment they go on sale, then reselling them at inflated prices. It carries unlimited fines.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 -- requirements for resellers
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Section 90-95) imposes specific requirements on secondary ticket platforms. When a ticket is listed for resale on a secondary marketplace, the platform must display:
- The face value of the ticket.
- The seat or standing area details.
- Any restrictions on the ticket (age limits, name matching, etc.).
- Information about the seller (whether they are a business or individual).
These transparency requirements were introduced to help buyers make informed decisions when purchasing resale tickets.
Contractual restrictions
Even where resale is not illegal, the terms and conditions of a ticket may prohibit it. Common restrictions include:
- "Not for resale" clauses -- Many tickets state they may not be resold above face value.
- Authorised resale channels only -- Some events specify that resale is only permitted through approved platforms.
- Name-matched tickets -- If the ticket is in your name and ID will be checked, reselling it to someone else is pointless unless the name can be changed.
Breaching these terms does not make the resale a criminal offence (except for football), but the event organiser can void the ticket, leaving the buyer unable to enter.
Your rights when buying resale tickets
If you buy a resale ticket and something goes wrong:
- The ticket is fake or invalid -- You are entitled to a refund from the seller or the platform under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (goods must be as described).
- The ticket is voided by the organiser -- If the organiser cancels the ticket because it was resold in breach of their terms, your claim is against the reseller, not the organiser.
- The platform's guarantee -- Many secondary platforms offer buyer guarantees. Check whether the platform you used has one and what it covers.
The ethical dimension
Beyond the law, there is an ongoing debate about the ethics of ticket resale, particularly at inflated prices.
Many artists, venues, and platforms -- including Tickts -- support face-value-only resale. When tickets are sold at the price the organiser intended, the money goes where it should: to the artists and the event, not to middlemen.
Protecting yourself
- As a seller: Sell at face value through official channels. This avoids legal risk and is fairer to other fans.
- As a buyer: Buy from primary platforms or authorised resale channels. Check the platform's guarantees and pay by credit card for maximum protection.
Summary
Ticket resale is generally legal in the UK but comes with significant restrictions. Football ticket resale is a criminal offence. Using bots to buy tickets for resale is illegal under the 2018 Act. Secondary platforms must meet transparency requirements. And contractual restrictions can result in voided tickets even where the resale was technically legal. For the safest experience, buy from official sources and sell at face value.
