No ticket scalping convictions logged in past two years, says Rosanna Law

Official records showed that no one was convicted of ticket scalping near concert venues between 2022 and the second quarter of 2024, according to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui.

Her comments came as lawmakers expressed concern that scalping has become more rampant, noting that Hong Kong's image could be at stake when tourists buy problematic tickets.

According to Hong Kong law, anyone selling or offering tickets above the price set by the event organizer, or soliciting others to buy such tickets commits an offense and can result in a fine of HK$2,000. However, the law does not apply to venues managed by the LCSD like the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Hong Kong Stadium.

In a written response to the legislature on Wednesday, Law said the Leisure and Cultural Services Department did not receive any reports related to ticket scalping, and the police did not maintain the number of relevant reports during the period.

She said authorities have always been concerned about issues relating to ticket scalping and fake tickets, and has been studying the introduction of such measures as legislation and criminalization to address ticket scalping activities concerning the LCSD performance venues.

However, as ticket scalping involves various factors, including supply and demand, market structure, and regulation, Law said the government will consider legislative options in a prudent manner and continue to closely monitor the situation.

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