Legislature raises fines for scalping, noise, stalking offenses

Taipei, May 27 (CNA) The Legislature passed amendments to the Social Order Maintenance Act that increase penalties for ticket scalping, noise disturbances and stalking on Tuesday.

The maximum fine for unauthorized resale of transportation or entertainment tickets for non-personal use will increase from NT$18,000 (US$601.66) to NT$30,000 (US$1,002.36).

The Legislature also passed a resolution stating that while the Social Order Maintenance Act usually handles minor offenses with administrative penalties, scalping can lead to "significant illegal profits and seriously harm consumers' interests."

It noted that the Cultural and Creative Industries Act and the Sports Industry Development Act already cover ticket scalping for cultural and sports events, including criminal penalties for these offenses.

Regarding other tickets, such as medical and hospitality vouchers, the resolution urged relevant authorities to discuss amending laws on ticket scalping within two months.

The amendments are expected to effectively prevent ticket scalping by addressing both the source of the problem and enforcing stronger penalties.

Meanwhile, the amendments also increase the maximum fine for noise disturbances from NT$6,000 to NT$10,000.

Fines for stalking someone without valid reasons, even after being warned to stop, will increase from NT$3,000 to NT$30,000.