Live Nation/Ticketmaster has endorsed the Federal Trade Commission's new rule banning "junk fees" in the live ticketing and hospitality industries. The regulation, passed on December 17th, requires businesses to display total prices, including all mandatory fees, upfront when selling event tickets or short-term lodging.

The new rule mandates that sellers must:

• Show the complete price, including all fees, at the beginning of the purchase process
• Display total prices more prominently than other pricing information
• Provide accurate pricing details upfront
• Avoid misrepresenting any charges or fees

Live Nation welcomed the change, stating they've already implemented all-in pricing at their venues and festivals. The company expects the regulation to improve transparency for consumers and increase sales by reducing abandoned purchases at checkout.

According to FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, the rule aims to eliminate hidden fees in live events, hotels, and vacation rentals. The FTC projects the regulation will:

• Save consumers approximately $11 billion over ten years
• Reduce price-searching time by 53 million hours annually

The measure passed with a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Andrew Ferguson casting the sole dissenting vote.

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