Patrons caught with video recorders in cinemas will face fines and even jail under moves to prevent bootlegging.
Repeat offenders would be jailed under the proposals, which will be tabled for discussion in the Legislative Council next month.
Officials are considering amending the Prevention of Copyright Piracy Ordinance to make it a criminal offence to be in unauthorised possession of video recording equipment in a cinema or at a concert venue.
A fine is proposed for first-time offenders.
It is understood police and Customs officers are expected to be responsible for enforcing the anti-bootlegging law.
Cinemas are expected to provide places where customers can store video recorders, to put up warning notices and to ask staff to remind customers of the offences.
A source said that if disputes broke out with customers who refused to hand over recording equipment, staff could call police.
