The Legislative Yuan on Friday passed a third reading of amendments to the Cultural and Creative Industry Development Act (文化創意產業發展法), which targets scalpers with higher fines.
Photo: CNA
Under the amendments, scalpers selling tickets to events at inflated prices could face fines of between 10 and 50 times the face value of the scalped tickets, up to a maximum of NT$3 million, as well as a prison sentence of up to three years.
The amendments were first proposed by Minister of Culture Shih Che (史哲) after the ministry received complaints following a concert by South Korean pop band Blackpink in Kaohsiung in March. Fans of the band complained they were unable to purchase tickets through normal channels, and scalpers were selling tickets to the concert for up to 10 tens the original price.
The amended Act defines scalpers as anyone who “sells tickets for arts and cultural performances at more than the face value or price," or who "uses false information or other improper means such as computer programs or other related equipment to purchase tickets for arts and cultural performances, or obtain reservations or vouchers.”
The Act also stipulates incentives in the form of tax deductions for individuals and companies who invest in the production of domestic cultural and creative content.
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