Hong Kong Government Tackles Ticket Scalping with New Measures
Government examines legislative changes and administrative strategies to curb ticket scalping at public entertainment venues.
Hong Kong’s government is taking steps to combat the ongoing issue of ticket scalping, particularly at venues managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), such as the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Hong Kong Stadium.
In response to concerns raised by the Legislative Council, the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, outlined the government’s strategy to tackle the problem.
Currently, ticket scalping at public entertainment venues is governed by the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (PPEO), which sets a fine of HK$2,000 for reselling tickets above their original price.
However, this law does not apply to venues managed by the LCSD, leading to calls for an expansion of the regulation.
In her reply, Miss Law noted that while ticket scalping incidents in LCSD-managed venues have been rare, the department continues to monitor and address the issue through various administrative measures.
These include employing venue and security staff to patrol for ticket reselling, using the URBTIX ticketing system to manage sales, and implementing real-name ticketing for popular events to deter scalping.
Additionally, the LCSD limits the number of tickets an individual can purchase in a single transaction and sets caps on credit card usage.
The government has also consulted with various stakeholders regarding legislative control over ticket scalping.
While the authorities are considering new legal measures, Miss Law highlighted the complexities of regulating ticket sales and emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
Although no ticket scalping convictions were recorded from 2022 to mid-2024, the government remains focused on preventing such activities and encourages the public to use official channels to purchase tickets, thereby reducing the risks of fraud and scalping.
In response to concerns raised by the Legislative Council, the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, outlined the government’s strategy to tackle the problem.
Currently, ticket scalping at public entertainment venues is governed by the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (PPEO), which sets a fine of HK$2,000 for reselling tickets above their original price.
However, this law does not apply to venues managed by the LCSD, leading to calls for an expansion of the regulation.
In her reply, Miss Law noted that while ticket scalping incidents in LCSD-managed venues have been rare, the department continues to monitor and address the issue through various administrative measures.
These include employing venue and security staff to patrol for ticket reselling, using the URBTIX ticketing system to manage sales, and implementing real-name ticketing for popular events to deter scalping.
Additionally, the LCSD limits the number of tickets an individual can purchase in a single transaction and sets caps on credit card usage.
The government has also consulted with various stakeholders regarding legislative control over ticket scalping.
While the authorities are considering new legal measures, Miss Law highlighted the complexities of regulating ticket sales and emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
Although no ticket scalping convictions were recorded from 2022 to mid-2024, the government remains focused on preventing such activities and encourages the public to use official channels to purchase tickets, thereby reducing the risks of fraud and scalping.
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