No More Surprises in the Virtual Queue: Initiative Seeks to Ban Dynamic Pricing for Concerts in CDMX
Mexico City, February 25, 2026 – An initiative has been presented in the Mexico City Congress to reform the Law for the Celebration of Public Spectacles, aiming to guarantee certainty, transparency, and predictability in the pricing of tickets for concerts and massive events. The proposal, spearheaded by Rebeca Peralta, vice-coordinator of the Green Party in the local Congress, seeks to prevent price modifications during the pre-sale or sale process, a practice known as “dynamic pricing,” which allows real-time increases as demand grows.
Consumer Protection at the Forefront
Peralta, who also chairs the Cultural Rights Commission, highlighted that the current situation leaves consumers vulnerable. “Today, people go to buy a ticket with an advertised price and end up paying more while in the digital queue. That is not a free market; it is uncertainty and abuse. This initiative does not set prices or prohibit concerts; it guarantees that the final price is clear from the beginning,” she stated.
Complaints Over BTS Concert Tickets Prompt Action
The impetus for this initiative came after numerous complaints received by Peralta in late January regarding the pre-sale of tickets for a BTS concert. These complaints detailed a lack of clarity in pricing, unexpected increases during the purchase process, and conditions that created uncertainty for consumers.
Key Provisions of the Initiative
The proposed initiative mandates that the final total price of tickets-including all charges and commissions-must be published before any pre-sale or sale begins. It explicitly prohibits any modification of this price during the commercialization process. Furthermore, it incorporates the principle of price certainty and predictability as a guiding factor in the organization of public spectacles.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Compliance with these new provisions will be a prerequisite for obtaining, renewing, or maintaining permits in Mexico City. In cases of non-compliance, the initiative outlines several sanctions, including:
- Fines
- Suspension of the event
- Cancellation of the permit
- Temporary disqualification from organizing events in the capital
Peralta emphasized that this reform does not infringe upon federal powers or regulate the national market. Instead, it focuses on establishing administrative conditions linked to local permits and consumer protection. “We want more culture, more concerts, and more spectacles in the City, but with clear rules and no surprises for the public. Transparency strengthens the sector and protects those who make the industry possible: the attendees,” she concluded.
Broader Implications for Mexico City’s Event Landscape
The initiative reflects a growing concern among lawmakers to safeguard consumer rights in the rapidly expanding entertainment sector. As Mexico City continues to host a multitude of large-scale events, from music concerts to cultural festivals, ensuring fair and transparent practices becomes paramount. This move could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues of dynamic pricing and consumer exploitation in the live entertainment industry.
The detailed analysis conducted by the Cultural Rights Commission, based on extensive testimonies, revealed recurring patterns of abuse in ticket sales, particularly for high-demand events. This legislative response aims to restore public trust and foster a more equitable environment for event-goers.
The Mexico City government is also preparing for other major events, including the 2026 World Cup, and initiatives like this underscore a broader commitment to consumer protection and responsible event management. The proposed changes are expected to be debated in the coming weeks, with significant implications for both event organizers and attendees across the capital.
