Time must be up for unsporting scalpers
- Touts who cash in on bookings amid the shortage of sports venues in Hong Kong face fraud charges and jail under the latest proposals
The problem of touting has, for many years, frustrated members of Hong Kong’s sporting community seeking to book coveted facilities that are in short supply.
Numerous steps have been taken by the government to combat the touts and provide fairer access. But, despite tightened rules and new arrangements, scalping continues.
Slots at prized football pitches continue to be sold on the black market for greatly inflated prices, up to HK$1,500 for a venue that should only cost HK$288.
Now, a stronger deterrent is in the pipeline. Those who book venues will be required to make a legally binding declaration that they will not transfer their slot to another person. Anyone doing so faces prosecution for fraud and up to 14 years in jail.
This is a significant increase in the penalty. Currently, those who abuse the system only breach regulations. They can be fined up to HK$2,000 and face being barred from further bookings for 360 days.