How to Navigate Buying Standing Concert Tickets as a Wheelchair User
The decision to purchase concert tickets in the standing area, especially if you are a wheelchair user, can lead to complications and unexpected moves. Let's explore the circumstances and considerations when attending a concert in a wheelchair.Buying Standing Area Tickets: A Common Misunderstanding
Why would you buy a ticket in the standing area if you don’t intend to stand? The venue will have designated wheelchairs areas, which you should consider utilizing. Safety is paramount, and the areas designed for wheelchair users are safer and more accessible.
Personal Experience and Insights from a Wheelchair User
I, a wheelchair user with paraplegia, have attended over 1,000 concerts and even taken several in wheelchairs to events. The venues often prioritize safety, moving you to the designated wheelchair area to avoid potential hazards during the event. This is done to prevent liability issues for the venue and ensure the safety of other attendees.
While the venue may have legitimate reasons to remove you from the standing area, this does not make the situation ideal or fair. I have observed that disabled access seating is often not terrible, but there are instances where it is less than ideal. It's a challenging situation, and unfortunately, there’s not much recourse if you choose to stay in the standing area.
Legal Considerations and Venue Safety
Assuming you are prepared to sign a contract indemnifying the venue and promoter against any injuries or damage to you or your wheelchair by being in the crush, you can demonstrate you have public liability insurance or a substantial personal fortune to cover claims, and the local fire brigade is satisfied that your wheelchair in the standing area will not endanger others during an evacuation, you might morally have a case.
However, the venue's primary concern is the safety of all attendees. They will likely argue that moving you to a safe, dedicated wheelchair area meets the "reasonable accommodation" required by UK law. In such cases, attempting to sue them would be unproductive, as they would likely argue they fulfilled their legal obligations.
Safety and Responsibility
Being in the standing area while in a wheelchair poses a significant risk to you and others. When people are moving about and having fun, they may accidentally push into you, causing injuries. The venue is safeguarding both your personal safety and the safety of other attendees.
While it's important to protect your rights and understand the legal implications, the venue's primary responsibility is to ensure a safe environment for all guests. If you are uncomfortable with the location or safety concerns, it's best to enter the wheelchair area designed for your convenience and safety.