Multiple bureaus combating ticket scalping

Government bureaus use several tactics to combat ticket scalping at events, President Leong Pek San of the Macao Consumer Council has told lawmaker Lo Choi In.

In response to Lo’s written inquiry on the matter, Leong disclosed that although the Council is chiefly responsible for safeguarding consumer rights, other bureaus, such as the police, are included in the joint efforts to combat ticket scalping.

The practice is subject to punishment under laws protecting public hygiene or the economy, as well as other related criminal laws.

In terms of preventive and investigative measures, she said that the Public Security Police Force (PSP) works closely with performance venue owners and providers. As soon as hotel security departments discover any ticket scalping, the police will be notified. Officers also patrol venues on show dates.

The Judiciary Police (PJ) works with the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) on the matter. Intelligence is also collected to combat computer system malpractices.

The two police departments, as well as the Council, are trying to educate the public about the risks of purchasing second-hand tickets through unofficial channels.

Citing the IC and the Sports Bureau (ID), Leong said electronic and physical tools had been employed to ensure tickets are being used by the original purchasers.

For example, the IC tried last year a ticket sale mechanism of registration, lot-drawing and purchase sequentially. Purchase and entry to events also requires real-name verification. Both the IC and the ID pledged that existing tactics would be constantly reviewed and improved.

Concerning the in-place protections for the local workforce, the IC said that it had been prioritizing local suppliers when it sourced performers and production services. In addition, the sourced suppliers were also requested to prioritize employing the local workforce. A mechanism was also established last year to refer proposals to Macau’s six resort operators.

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), on the other hand, has said it has been working with the police to investigate and combat illegal employment and workers.

In another inquiry, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) told lawmaker Ron Lam that it is in negotiations with several bureaus to review the Advertising Law.

Replying to Lam’s inquiry, director Tai Kin Ip of the bureau said work is underway with the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Health Bureau, the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office, among other bureaus, to review the aforementioned law.

Tai added that the Legal Affairs Bureau would provide the necessary legal support to assist other concerned bureaus to draft amendments to areas in the law that concern them.

However, Tai did not respond to Lam’s questioning regarding the existence of a future public consultation ahead of the law review.

Citing the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Tai said the bureau has been reviewing applications for advertising signboards or billboards “in compliance with the law.” It has also compiled a set of guidelines for concerned groups to follow.