Real-name Registration Adopted For Boy Band Concert

Some fans of popular boy band MIRROR will have to register with their real name to buy tickets for the upcoming concerts as the government introduces the new measure to curb ticket scalping.

Tickets sold through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s URBTIX website will have to be registered under real name, the government announced on Wednesday.

The Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Jack Chan, said in a Facebook post that the arrangement would protect public interest and ensure fans have fair chances to get tickets.

He said it is beneficial to the development of the entertainment industry.

The band also noted the arrangement on their social media page, but has yet to announce when tickets will be available for sale on URBTIX.

Some tickets are already being sold via priority purchase schemes with specific credit cards.

The band is scheduled to hold 12 concerts in July and August at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

Reports say some scalpers are offering a HK$1,280 ticket at almost HK$440,000.

In a statement, the LCSD said it took the initiative to discuss with the organiser of the concerts, and welcomes the organiser's positive response on adopting real-name registration.

The department said it will render assistance on ticket sales and admission arrangements to the organiser.

It also calls on ticket holders to arrive early at the concerts' venue.

DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng welcomes the arrangement, saying it's a big step forward in combating ticket scalping.

He hoped more event organisers will follow suit.

He also urged the government to step up efforts to crack down on ticket scalping, including increasing the level of punishment.