Tougher rules for ticket scalpers proposed 8.11.11

FOX 59

INDIANAPOLIS - We are counting down to the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis and now the city wants to take a big step toward making sure your tickets are legitimate.

The idea is to require scalpers get a special license to sell tickets above face value.
While the upcoming Super Bowl sparked the plan, it's meant for every big event downtown.
All too often going to the big game or a big game could end up a big letdown.

Tickets sold outside were fakes.

It happened to Lizzie Bourque's friends at Conseco Fieldhouse. The tickets she bought from scalpers weren't legitimate.

"We got in the door and they scanned the ticket and they said you have to go see the manager and then it turned out it was a fake ticket and we had to buy a new ticket to get in," she said. 
"It's something that's definitely been a problem in the past," said Adam Collins of the Department of Code Enforcement. "With the counterfeiting and the fact that people selling tickets are not always selling them legitimately."
But now the city wants to crack down on ticket scalping with tougher regulations.

A new ordinance passed 7-1 in committee and will go before the full City-County Council next week.  It requires scalpers to get a background check and a broker's license from the city.

In addition to their signs, you'll see an ID badge on ticket sellers outside stadiums.
The proposal also requires brokers to stay further away from event venues. That's a welcome change to some Colts fans. "I'm going to an event. I'm spending a lot of money on these tickets. I want my family to have fun, and to see these people standing on the corners yelling at you, as you're going by it, it just takes away from the whole experience," said Colts fan Anita Suppiger.
The city's plan won't prevent scalpers from charging high prices, but fans will know they got what they paid for. Metro Police and Code Enforcement would be in charge of making sure scalpers follow the rules. Scalpers we talked to support the plan because they say it will weed out the counterfeiters, who take away from their business.

Since the full council will vote on this next week, it could take effect in time for the first Colts home game of the season.
http://www.wthr.com/story/15247106/tougher-rules-for-ticket-scalpers-proposed