New laws on the cards to curb ticket touts

The Scottish Government could consider legislation to crack down on ticket touts following next year’s Euro 2020 football tournament.

Europe Minister Ben Macpherson hinted at the prospect, saying the matter could be considered after the event.

He spoke out as he was questioned by MSPs on Holyrood’s culture, tourism, Europe and external affairs committee about a Bill to tackle ticket touting at the sporting tournament for which Glasgow is one of 12 host cities.

If passed, the Uefa European Championship (Scotland) Bill will make it a crime to sell on tickets for profit, either in person, via secondary resale sites or privately, with fines of up to £5,000.

Committee convener Joan McAlpine pressed the minister on why legislation was only being put before MSPs now, noting that both Uefa and the Scottish Football Association had noted this could have been needed as far back as 2014.

Mr Macpherson said ministers had wanted to “explore all possible angles and avenues” to see if existing laws could be used.

Ms McAlpine noted: “In terms of the ticket touting offence in particular, it does seem there is a gap in Scots law that we don’t seem to be able to cover ticket touting.”

The minister told her that the existing legislation currently used to deal with ticket touting did not cover online sales.

He added: “In due course, once the tournament has passed, we will of course examine the success of this legislation”.