Lawmakers yesterday stepped up efforts to crack down on ticket scalping by imposing stiffer punishments, including a fine of up to NT$3 million (US$97,536) and a maximum jail term of three years.
The Legislative Yuan approved on third reading amendments to the Development of the Cultural and Creative Industries Act (文化創意產業發展法) that would impose fines of between 10 and 50 times the price that scalpers sold the ticket.
The amendments define 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.”
Photo: CNA
Lawmakers emphasized the need to crack down on scalpers in the face of rising public discontent and frustration over difficulties purchasing tickets for performances, as new technologies and online platforms enable scalpers to use algorithms to purchase tickets in bulk and resell them at exorbitant prices.
“Concerts have brought more business for Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries and helped stimulate the local economy,” Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) said.
“However, ticket scalpers are getting fatter by reaping more illegal profits,” she said.
Enhanced prosecution is needed as scalpers have seriously breached the rights of consumers to enjoy arts, cultural and entertainment activities at reasonable and fair prices, she said.
The law was too lenient in the past, “but now we have the weapons to fight them and punish them more severely,” she added.
The amendments would also set up a “whistle-blower mechanism,” with people providing information on scalpers receiving a financial reward after prosecution.
“The Ministry of Culture could encourage event organizers to use real-name registration for ticket purchases by providing subsidies,” Wu said.
The amendments also call on the ministry to establish a ticket-exchange platform to resell or swap tickets via an open, fair and reasonable process.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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