(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations provide for a criminal offence of purchasing tickets for a recreational, sporting or cultural event in excess of conditions setting a maximum number of tickets that a purchaser may buy.
Regulation 2 provides that these Regulations apply where: (a) tickets for a recreational, sporting or cultural event in the United Kingdom are offered for sale; (b) a purchase may be made by a process that the purchaser completes using an electronic communications service or network; and (c) the offer is subject to conditions limiting the number of tickets a purchaser may buy (“the sales limit”).
Regulation 3 provides that it is an offence for a person to use software which is designed to enable or facilitate completion of any part of the process, with intent to obtain tickets in excess of the sales limit and with a view to any person obtaining financial gain.
Regulation 4 provides that the offence is committed whether the offer of tickets is made or anything is done to obtain the tickets, in or outside the United Kingdom.
Regulation 5 makes provision in relation to the prosecution of, and penalties for, the offence.
These Regulations were notified in draft (Notification No. 2017/0575/UK on 12/12/17) to the European Commission in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 241, 17.9.2015, p.1) which lays down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services.
An Impact Assessment has not been produced as no, or no significant, impact on the private sector or civil society organisations is foreseen.