No NY Scalping, Again

Following the recent expiration of a 2007 New York law that legalized scalping in the state, Gov. David Paterson has issued a warning: scalp a ticket and face the music.

Paterson recently wrote a letter to ticket brokers in the state, including StubHub, alerting them to the fact that current law prohibits selling tickets for more than $2 above face value, the New York Daily News reported.

“Ticket resellers must act in accordance with the laws of New York State,” the letter says. “This includes full compliance with all local licensing requirements and resale restrictions, including limitations on premium prices.”

In light of the expiration of the 2007 legislation, the state has reverted back to a law that was originally passed in the 1920s. The “new” old law reportedly prohibits sellers like Ticketmaster from tacking service and delivery fees onto tickets and also makes scalping violations a misdemeanor.

Paterson has submitted a program bill to the state assembly that would require buyers be given the option to purchase a paper ticket. Legislators are expected to hold a hearing on ticketing within a month, and if the bill is passed, resales would be restored, Paterson’s letter said.

“Should the Program Bill become law with the retroactivity language intact, the effectiveness of all ticket reselling licenses under the Department’s jurisdiction will be reinstated without additional fees.”