D.C. Cracks Down on Ticket Resellers: Council Passes Bill to Protect Fans From Scammers, Inflated Prices

On a sweltering summer evening in Washington, D.C., something remarkable happened. The DC Council, will have far-reaching implications for the city's music scene, voted unanimously to pass the RESALE Act, a bill designed to protect fans from scammers and inflated prices in the secondary ticket market. At the heart of this legislation is a coalition of advocates who have been fighting for reform for years, including the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Fix the Tix Coalition, a group of over 30 live music and event industry organizations and local promoters and venues.

For Audrey Fix Schaefer, NIVA's board president and director of communications for I.M.P., 9:30 Club, and The Anthem, this victory is evidence of the power of grassroots advocacy. "It's pretty phenomenal that the city thought this was important enough that they're investing in a new section of the licensing office to handle the licensing registrations," she says, a sense of pride and accomplishment evident in her voice. The RESALE Act, which includes a 10% resale cap on concert tickets, requires ticket resellers to acquire a license if they advertise more than 50 tickets in a year, and bans speculative ticket sales and advertising.

As of June 2026, 20 states across the United States have introduced similar legislation on resale and speculative ticketing. But the DC Council's coalition of advocates lobbied for additional laws not typically seen in similar bills around the country. This push for reform is a response to a growing concern among fans, artists, and industry professionals about the exploitation of the secondary ticket market. The RESALE Act is a comprehensive solution to this problem, one that will increase oversight and accountability in the secondary marketplace, inform buyers about the original price of primary tickets, and crack down on scammers who prey on unsuspecting fans.

The RESALE Act's 10% resale cap is a key provision that will have a significant impact on the secondary ticket market. This cap will prevent scalpers from inflating prices and profiting from the desperation of fans who are unable to purchase tickets at face value. According to advocates of the bill, requiring ticket resellers to register with the district and obtain a license will increase oversight and accountability in the secondary marketplace. This will also inform buyers if they're purchasing from a professional reseller or a casual fan, helping to prevent scams and ensure that fans get a fair deal.

The RESALE Act is not just a victory for fans; it's also a shot in the arm for the live music industry in Washington, D.C. By increasing transparency and accountability in the secondary ticket market, the RESALE Act will help to create a more sustainable and equitable music ecosystem. As Audrey Fix Schaefer notes, the RESALE Act will "become model legislation throughout the land." This is a bold statement, but one that reflects the RESALE Act's potential to inspire reform in other cities and states.

In a city known for its vibrant music scene, the RESALE Act is a victory worth celebrating. By protecting fans from scammers and inflated prices, this legislation will help to create a more inclusive and equitable music ecosystem. As the RESALE Act takes effect, fans can expect to see a significant reduction in ticket prices and a decrease in the number of scams. This is evidence of the power of grassroots advocacy and the importance of protecting the interests of fans.

As the RESALE Act becomes a model for other cities and states, it's clear that this legislation is a major step forward for the live music industry. By increasing transparency and accountability in the secondary ticket market, the RESALE Act will help to create a more sustainable and equitable music ecosystem. This is a victory worth celebrating, one that will have far-reaching implications for fans, artists, and industry professionals alike.

As this new era for live music in DC begins, one thing is certain: the RESALE Act is a turning point for the city's music scene. And as Audrey Fix Schaefer notes, it's evidence of the power of grassroots advocacy and the importance of protecting the interests of fans.