A Statement from NIVA on the inclusion of the TICKET Act in the Continuing Resolution
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 17, 2024) – Without Fix the Tix, there would be no refund requirements in the TICKET Act. Without Fix the Tix, there would be no ban on speculative tickets in the TICKET Act. Without Fix the Tix, there would be no enforcement of violators in the TICKET Act. Without the artists, fans, workers, and stages that are the heart and soul of the live ecosystem, there would be no consumer protections at all.
It is unfortunate that disinformation from multi-billion dollar resale platforms and the organizations they fund—claiming to represent consumers' interests—misled Congress into including a loophole that allows predatory brokers and resale platforms to sell fake tickets under a different name. They also prevented so many more common-sense reforms from making it into the final legislation, especially strengthening the BOTS Act. These groups chose empowering predators and fighting progress behind the scenes over genuine consumer protections.
We will make it our mission to blunt, repeal, or strike down any federal provision that would directly or indirectly permit the sale of fake tickets. We will also continue to work with the states to ensure that strong ticketing consumer protection laws like those passed earlier this year in Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota become the law of the land in all 50 states, the territories, and Washington, D.C.
— Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director
ABOUT FIX THE TIX
Fix The Tix is a national advocacy coalition of more than 30 live music and event industry organizations, spearheaded by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Eventbrite, collectively advocating to fix broken ticketing practices. The organization includes representation from venues, promoters and producers, the performing arts, artists, recorded music, agents, managers, and independent ticketing companies. The coalition represents stakeholders who take on all the risk to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and bring joy, employment, and economic impact to communities across America.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) represents independent music and comedy venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the U.S. NIVA led the #SaveOurStages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.
NIVA's mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States. NIVA is committed to equity in its support and advocacy for independent venues and seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
