Legislator Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming asked whether penalties for ticket reselling should be raised and criminal liability introduced. In its written reply, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said any regulation needed careful assessment. Under current law, reselling tickets above the price set by the event organiser is an offence punishable by a HK$2,000 fine.
The bureau said options should be judged for their effects on market response, marketing operations, cost-effectiveness and practical enforcement. It said the government must balance market operations with audience experience and avoid deterring investors.
Police do not keep figures for complaints about online or in-person ticket reselling. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department received no related complaints in the previous three years.
At Kai Tak Sports Park, the operating company generally asks organisers to offer at least half of tickets for public sale and announce sale arrangements in advance. It also requires ticketing platforms to monitor purchases, block abnormal accounts and set purchase limits.
At Leisure and Cultural Services Department venues, the share of tickets allocated for internal sale is capped at 70% for events with at least four performances at the Hong Kong Coliseum or Queen Elizabeth Stadium. For major or popular events, officials discuss ticketing arrangements individually with organisers; options can include registration ballots, purchase limits and sales by website, app or telephone.