There are no regulatory controls, as such, in operation in relation to the handling and booking charges for concert and theatre tickets. I have no plans to introduce such controls. I believe that competition in the marketplace and the provision of adequate information will ensure that consumers' interests are provided for.
The lack of information and transparency about such additional charges was adverted to by the previous Director of Consumer Affairs in his annual reports for both 1991 and 1994, together with a recommendation that a transparency order be made. The order, which was made in 1997, is one of a series of transparency orders which have been made to ensure that consumers have adequate information about the prices of goods and services.
Specifically, the Consumer Information (Advertisements for Concert or Theatre Performances) Order, 1997 (S.I. No. 103 of 1997) requires that advertisements for the purchase of tickets for public concert or theatre performances should contain certain information in relation to booking charges. Every written advertisement for a public concert or theatre performance must indicate the amount, in monetary or percentage terms, of any additional charge and the circumstances in which such an additional charge is payable. In all other forms of advertising, the admission price must be stated together with a reference to the fact that an additional charge may be payable in certain circumstances.
The Director of Consumer Affairs is responsible for the enforcement of the 1997 order and is empowered to take legal action in the event of any established case of non-compliance.
