IRELAND’S CONSUMER WATCHDOG has launched a full investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct in the ticketing industry.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said the investigation will look into suspected breaches of competition law in relation to the provision of tickets and the management of ticketing services for live events.

The investigation will primarily focus on possible anti-competitive conduct by operators that include any firms involved in providing tickets and ticketing services, as well as promoters and venues.

The CCPC would not confirm which organisations will be subject to investigation.

However, Fora understands that the probe will involve a thorough examination of Ireland’s main service providers and main promoters in the industry.

As part of the investigation, the CCPC has issued summonses for witnesses and put out formal requirements for information to several parties that are involved in the sector.

The competition and consumer watchdog is also looking for parties in the area of ticket services that may have access to information that is relevant to the investigation.

The CCPC was set up in 2002 to run the rule over merger and acquisition deals and judge if any such deals could harm the competitiveness of a sector.

Written by Killian Woods and posted on Fora.ie