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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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LAWMAKERS RESPOND TO SPRINGSTEEN TICKET SCAM, PROTECT MINNESOTA CONSUMERS
ST. PAUL, MN - When Bruce Springsteen tickets went on sale earlier this year, Ticketmaster redirected consumers from their official website to an alternative website TicketsNow - a site that specializes in inflating the price of tickets well above face value. Springsteen fans got ripped off and “The Boss" himself was furious, reprimanding Ticketmaster for using bait and switch tactics to turn an illegitimate profit off Minnesota consumers.
In response to the Springsteen incidents and others, the Minnesota House passed a measure today protecting Minnesota consumers from falling victim to these scams by outlawing the practice for good. The bill (HF819) authored by Commerce and Labor chair Joe Atkins passed with overwhelming support by a vote of 119 to 13.
“What Ticketmaster did to Springsteen fans was a total ripoff, and it shouldn’t be allowed,” said Rep. Atkins. “Particularly in these tough economic times, this practice is outrageous. People should at least get a shot at buying tickets at face value. This bill makes that happen.”
Specifically, Atkins’ bill would require companies that initially sell tickets to make those tickets available to the general public in the fashion called for by the performer or the venue, before they go to resale sites for sale at inflated prices. The bill is expected to be approved with similar support in the Senate before it is sent to Governor Pawlenty in the coming days for signature.
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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