The Ontario government says it is strengthening enforcement against illegal ticket resellers by increasing financial penalties and publicly identifying businesses facing enforcement action under the province’s ticket sales laws.
The new measures, announced by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, are scheduled to take effect June 10. They will increase the maximum administrative penalty for repeat offenders to $25,000 from the current $10,000 limit and allow the designated director under the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, to publicly identify ticketing businesses that are the subject of enforcement proceedings.
The changes are intended to support the province’s recent move to ban the resale of tickets above their original purchase price.
“We’re delivering on our promise to bring in bold enforcement measures that crack down on resellers who exploit fans and drive up costs for families,” Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford said. “By increasing penalties and holding offenders publicly accountable, we’re helping ensure Ontarians can attend the events they love without needing to worry about being ripped-off by exploitative resellers.”
The province said the updated penalties will provide another enforcement tool under the modernized Ticket Sales Act, 2017, to address violations of the law.
In addition to administrative penalties, businesses that fail to comply with the legislation may also face compliance orders or charges. If convicted, individuals can face court-ordered fines of up to $50,000, while corporations can be fined up to $250,000.
“Live sporting events create unforgettable experiences for fans, families and communities,” Sport Minister Neil Lumsden said. “These measures will help ensure tickets are available to the people who want to be in the stands cheering on their favourite teams and athletes, rather than being snapped up by unfair pricing gouging.”
The government said information about compliance and enforcement actions taken against individuals and ticket businesses will also be published on the Consumer Beware List beginning June 10.
Under Ontario’s resale ticket price cap, it is illegal to sell or facilitate the resale of tickets for more than the original all-in purchase cost, including fees, service charges and taxes, plus any applicable fees and taxes associated with the resale transaction.
The ministry said officials recently inspected 27 major secondary ticketing platforms for compliance with the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, and are pursuing enforcement actions where appropriate, including issuing compliance orders.
