Artists Back Fines, More Venues To Tackle Scalpers

A group representing performers has called for steps such as bigger fines and larger venues to tackle the problem of ticket scalping, but has rejected printing buyer's names on their tickets as a remedy.

Complaints about tickets being sold out within hours and touts springing up on the internet selling them for several times the normal price, had grown so loud in recent times that even Chief Executive Carrie Lam waded into the issue, promising action against such practices.

The Performing Industry Association said scalping is hurting not just the public, but the industry as well and said it has several suggestions to tackle the problem.

One recommendation is to increase the current HK$2,000 penalty for touting.

Lisa Hui, the association's vice-chairwoman, said the government should look at countries like Australia, which imposes fines that run into hundreds of thousands dollars.

The association also wants government venues, such as the Hong Kong Coliseum and Queen Elizabeth Stadium, to be included in the ordinance which covers ticket touting.

It suggested that online resale platforms should be regulated and ticketing systems improved to make buying tickets on the internet easier for fans.

The association also said there is a lack of major venues in Hong Kong, and building more would increase supply, and therefore combat scalping.

Hui said these measures would be better than an idea previously put forward by some people – printing the name of the buyer on tickets.

She said this may lead to long queues of people trying to enter venues and fans may end up waiting for hours.

Some event organisers had also earlier objected to printing names on tickets, saying this would raise costs and cause delays at entrance gates.