TOUTS FACE HUGE FINES.
ILLEGAL ticket sellers who try to cash in on the 2014 games will be hit by pounds 5,000 fines or face jail, under proposals to be put before MSPs today.It will be an offence to sell any 2014 Games ticket above face value, making it impossible for touts to use eBay to rip off customers.
Anyone who posts unauthorised adverts near sports venues will face fines of up to pounds 20,000.
The Scottish Government said such "ambush marketing" is a danger to major sporting events where business have paid large sums to be sponsors.
The Commonwealth Games Bill will also give ministers powers over land purchase and transport.
First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday: "The Scottish Government is determined to ensure there will be fair and equal access for all the events. Ticket touting could undermine this principle and public confidence in the Games.
That's why, as part of our proposals, it is our intention to make it a criminal offence for an unauthorised person to sell, offer or expose for sale a ticket for the Games or any associated official event above face value."
The SNP administration instructed civil servants to draw up the legislation before Friday's announcement that Glasgow's bid had won.
Under terms set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation, ministers gave a commitment that the laws would be in place by 2010.
The proposals have been welcomed by all parties and are unlikely to face opposition at Holyrood.
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| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
|---|---|
| Date: | Nov 12, 2007 |
| Words: | 245 |
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