‘Taylor Swift law’ introduced in Brazil to tackle ticket scalping

A Brazilian lawmaker has introduced a new law to tackle ticket scalping, after Taylor Swift announced shows in the country as part of the singer’s Eras Tour. 

Six shows will take place across Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and a new ‘Taylor Swift law’ would see penalties including up to four years in prison and fines up to 100 times the original ticket price for ticket scalpers.

While scalping is already illegal in Brazil, the new law would mean higher penalties.

Simone Marquetto, a member of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies representing São Paulo, recently introduced the bill after it was revealed that Swift would play three shows in the city.

She told Brazilian newspaper Estadão: “I have an 11-year-old at home, and this is all they’re talking about at school. I received many requests to do something and decided to present this bill.”

According to NME, Marquetto shared a social media post last week to say that she had obtained the signatures necessary to expedite the bill.

It was also reported that in-person scalpers had become violent when attempting to buy tickets for resale, and that at least 10 scalpers had been arrested after trying to secure tickets.

Congresswoman Marquetto added: “The exploitation of the Brazilian population by so-called ‘scalpers’ at any paid events expected to see a big public influx is public and notorious. These ticket touts’ activity deprives the less fortunate, preventing them from attending the desired show, and constitutes a true crime against the public economy.”