YP Letters: Unfair concert booking fees back in vogue

In late 2017, you published my letter objecting to the increased application of ‘booking fees’ at Leeds Town Hall concerts and elsewhere.

Shortly after this, Leeds Town Hall’s 2018 guide arrived.

It proclaimed in large print that “all prices are inclusive of booking fees”. The 2018/19 guide which I have just received reveals that these iniquitous charges are back in vogue.

I checked my ticket for last Saturday’s memorable Maxim Vengerov concert.

On top of the greatly inflated seat prices, Leeds Town Hall had slyly sneaked in a £1.68 “fee” somewhat prematurely.

It’s not so much the cost as the principle.

I’ve heard it claimed that these ‘fees’ are to cover the cost of ticket technology.

Isn’t that a normal business expense? When I pick up my copy of The Yorkshire Post at the corner shop, I am charged £1.10.

There is no mention of “plus 20p for wear and tear on the till”. Is there any hope of explanation or justification from Leeds Town Hall?