The DCMS has published the results of its consultation on ticketing and ticket touting. Despite stating that the “strongest possible safeguards” should be available to the public when dealing with the secondary ticket market, it would seem that there is no appetite in government circles to legislate for better regulation.

The current, voluntary, industry regulation (STAR) will continue in its current form.

I have recently had the pleasure of meeting Steve Rich, who reports that he regularly receives emails from first time West End theatre goers, who have been persuaded to part with their money for non-existent tickets, or for top price tickets sold for lower priced parts of the theatre.

It seems that the respondents to the consultation would agree with Steve that the current voluntary scheme does not work.