Written Evidence Submitted by the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)
Written evidence submitted by the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Inquiry into the Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS Sectors 1. ABOUT STAR 1.1. STAR, the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, is the self-regulatory body for the ticket industry formed in 1997 by companies and organisations within the ticketing industry. Its membership encompasses ticket agents, ticketing system suppliers, arenas, sports bodies, promoters, producers, music venues, most West End theatres and many other theatres and venues in London and across the UK. STAR members subscribe to a Code of Practice covering standards of service and information and we estimate that our ticket agent members represent over 90% of that sector. STAR works to help resolve disputes between its members and ticket buyers and is approved by Government under the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015. (See list of members below) 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1. Ticketing is a key element of the delicate eco-system that supports the tremendous UK live entertainment and events industries as well as other significant sectors in the remit of the DCMS which have been devastated as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. 2.2. Ticket agents represent a significant proportion of ticket sales for UK events and are an important factor in the success of marketing shows and achieving successful ticket sales. They also play a significant role in helping build new audiences, creating innovation, developing technical resources, finding new distribution channels, marketing and advertising events to both domestic and overseas markets.
[Show full text]