Written reply to PQ on competitive conditions in Singapore's live events and ticketing industry

Question:

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore has assessed the competitive conditions in Singapore's live events and ticketing industry, including the effects of vertical integration by dominant players across concert promotion and ticketing, in light of the recent US federal jury finding that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as a monopoly. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) regularly monitors developments across sectors to identify potential anti-competitive risks that may affect the efficient functioning of markets in Singapore. In 2008, CCS found that a dominant ticketing company had abused its market position by entering into exclusive arrangements with large venue providers. It took action and directed the company to stop and remove these arrangements. The CCS also imposed financial penalties on the company. Since then, the industry has seen increased competition with multiple ticketing service providers and a variety of venues operated by different entities, as well as a diverse range of event promoters. In recent years, the CCS has not received complaints on competition concerns in the live events and ticketing industry. It will continue to monitor Singapore’s ticketing market to ensure it remains competitive and that the live events and concert scene stays vibrant.