Viagogo: French Criminal Code On Tickets ‘Infringes Freedom Of Trade’

– Viagogo.co.uk
The company from London says it does nothing more than connect ticket holders with potential buyers

The French Constitutional Council recently upheld existing legislation, which outlaws ticket resale for sports, cultural and live events without the promoter’s authorization.

Viagogo issued a response stating that the law in question “infringes the freedom of trade, challenges the right of ownership which grants everyone the freedom to use their property as they see fit and consequently grants a de facto monopoly to event organizers.”

The statement in full:

“Seized by the viagogo group, the Constitutional Council today considered that Article 313-6-2 of the Criminal Code resulting from the law of 1 February 2012 was in all respects in conformity with the French Constitution. 

“The group and its counsel believe that this text infringes the freedom of trade, challenges the right of ownership which grants everyone the freedom to use their property as they see fit and consequently grants a de facto monopoly to event organizers.

“The Administrative Court ruled on Thursday that this question was likely to be submitted to the Council of State. viagogo, for its part, is considering all the options available to it, including bringing an action before the European Court of Justice. 

“France is one of the few countries in the world to have chosen a ban on reselling tickets without the agreement of the organiser of a show or sporting event.

“The group advocates the implementation of national regulations and is considering measures that will help to better control and make resale operations more transparent.”