Yes, ticket scalping is legal in Tennessee but strictly regulated under state and local laws. Resale without a license is permitted for most events, yet violators face fines up to $500 under the 2023 Tennessee Consumer Protection Act amendments. Local ordinances, particularly in Nashville and Memphis, impose additional restrictions on high-demand venues.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Tennessee
- Licensing Requirements: Sellers must obtain a resale license from the Tennessee Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $15,000 annually. Failure to comply risks penalties under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-1103.
- Venue-Specific Bans: Nashville’s Metro Code § 6.24.070 prohibits scalping within 500 feet of Bridgestone Arena or Nissan Stadium during events. Memphis enforces similar 300-foot buffer zones near FedExForum.
- Price Caps & Disclosures: State law mandates clear disclosure of face value and resale price on platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek. Misleading pricing violates Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-18-104, subject to civil penalties.
Local enforcement prioritizes consumer protection, with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office actively monitoring digital resale platforms for violations. Courts have upheld fines against unlicensed sellers, particularly in cases involving sports or concert tickets.