The government said its records showed that no one was convicted of ticket scalping near concert venues between 2022 and the first half of last year. Lawmakers expressed concern that scalping has become more rampant, noting that Hong Kong's image could be at stake when tourists buy problematic tickets. In a written response to the legislature on Wednesday, culture, sports and tourism minister Rosanna Law said the record came from the number of prosecutions filed under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance. The ordinance states that scalpers would be subject to a maximum fine of HK$2,000. She said the police force does not keep the number of reports it received over ticket scalping while the Leisure and Cultural Services Department did not receive any reports during the period. While the ordinance doesn't cover scalping near government venues, Law stressed that officials have been studying ways to criminalise such ticket scalping activities. She also told lawmakers that although real-name registration for ticket buyers has helped, not all organisers want to adopt this measure. "We need to communicate with stakeholders. Because different organisers have their different ticketing considerations," Law said during a Legislative Council session. "Even though I think real name registration for tickets is the most effective way to tackle the issue of scalpers, the organisers often don't consider this to be their first option. We have to respect such business operations." The minister also called on spectators to buy tickets through official channels, saying it's risky to buy through unauthorised means, especially at heightened prices.
