The South Australian Government has announced plans for legislation that would impose fines of up to A$20,000 for ticket touts and a maximum penalty of A$100,000 for websites and publications that advertise scalped tickets.
The bill would also see those who attempt to sell tickets to events with a ‘resale restriction’ placed on it for more than 110 per cent of face value will face on the spot fines of up to A$550.
Public servants would be tasked with catching illegal ticket scalpers during major events. The South Australian consumer affairs watchdog will also hire an employee to monitor illegal touts, with more resources to be added in the lead-up to major concerts and sporting events.
According to Australian Leisure Management, the South Australian Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio told a recent Budget Estimates committee considering the legislation that initially one compliance officer would target online ticket sales, but more anti-scalping employees could be added later.
Soulio said: “Subject to how that progresses, I have the flexibility within my investigation and compliance workforce to move resources around depending on priority and need.”
A Cricket Australia spokesman also welcomed the proposed new legislation. He said: “We want to send a very clear message to those who try to take advantage of the system and scalp tickets at inflated prices, that we will identify and cancel tickets, per our terms and conditions.
“Our message to all fans is to not support this practice. While we understand this leads to disappointment with some tickets being sold out, you should only purchase from official ticket agencies to ensure you only pay the official prices, and not risk your ticket being cancelled at the gate.”
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