QUICK TAKES - Oct. 28, 2009

In response to anti-scalping measures that Garth Brooks and the Wynn resort have put in place in connection with Brooks’ forthcoming performances in Las Vegas, a consortium of ticket brokers criticized owner Steve Wynn on Tuesday for warning consumers that any tickets determined to have been sold for more than face value will be subject to cancellation and refund at face value.

“Fans should have the right to buy and sell the tickets they want without having to RSVP their guests or risk cancellation based on new, arbitrary rules,” the National Assn. of Ticket Brokers said in a statement. “They’re changing the rules in the middle of the game, and it’s only going to hurt the fans who can’t find tickets, or are stuck with ones they can’t use.”

In announcing Brooks’ engagement at the 1,500-seat Encore Theater, marking his return from self-imposed retirement, Wynn said stringent measures would be taken to ensure that the $125-face-value tickets would not be resold at inflated prices.

“Steve Wynn and Garth Brooks intend to protect guests and fans from the predatory practice of scalpers who seek to charge hundreds and hundreds of dollars over face value for concert tickets,” Jennifer Dunne, vice president of public relations and advertising for Wynn/Encore, said in response to the NATB’s statement.

But the NATB’s statement accuses Wynn of trying to block competition. “These actions aren’t meant to address any problems with brokers or the reselling of tickets,” the NATB said. “They are meant to restrict the open market and eliminate any competition for tickets.”

-- Randy Lewis