Independent body launches six-standard compliance framework as DOJ consent decree leaves fans without direct enforcement rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2026
Contact: press@liveeventscouncil.org
The Live Events Standards Council (LESC) has formally opened applications for its inaugural certification cycle, establishing an independently audited compliance framework for venues, ticketing platforms, and promoters across the live events industry.
The six-standard framework covers: price transparency and all-in fee disclosure, bot and scalper protection protocols, artist autonomy in ticketing partnerships, non-exclusive venue contracting, fan-first resale policies, and independent dispute resolution access. Certification is independently audited, publicly disclosed in the LESC Certified Registry, and subject to annual renewal.
"The DOJ consent decree created space for competition. It created no accountability between the industry and the people who buy tickets," said an LESC spokesperson. "LESC is building that accountability layer — not through litigation, but through verified public commitments and market consequences for violating them."
The certification program is open to venues, platforms, and promoters of any size. Early applicants are listed in the founding LESC Certified Registry, a public record of entities that have committed to independently verified consumer protection standards.
Applications and standards documentation are available at liveeventscouncil.org. The inaugural certification cycle closes June 30, 2026.
###
DFP covers LESC as a subject, not a partner. Editorial decisions are made independently of LESC certification activities. See our Live Events Accountability Desk for independent reporting.