Ticket Scalping Rules Could Be Tightened: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Wednesday that the government will consider making ticket scalping a criminal offence for performances held at government venues.

Her comment, during a question-and-answer session in Legco, follows a recent controversy over the exorbitant prices scalpers were charging for shows by popular stand-up comedian Dayo Wong.

The Public Entertainment Ordinance bans scalping at private venues with entertainment licences, but it doesn't cover government venues.

There has also been criticism that touts who do fall foul of the law can only be fined up to HK$2,000, and Lam said the government will consider making the current penalty tougher.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said the key to curb scalping is to set up a ticketing system that requires people to use their real names.

Home Affairs Secretary Lau Kong-wah later said there are pros and cons with such a registration method and officials would test this out during a performance next month.