LCSD launches additional anti-touting measures
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(1) Extending the period applicable to suspension of booking rights of hirers who fail to take up the booked session and/or are not present during the use of the booked sessions
Currently, two counts of failing to take up the booked session and/or not being present during the use of the booked session by a hirer within 30 consecutive days will incur suspension of his or her rights to book fee-charging recreation and sports facilities for 90 days. Under the new measures from November 1 onwards, the period applicable to the above breaches will be extended from 30 consecutive days to 60 consecutive days so as to strengthen the deterrent effect of penalties on hirers who violate this regulation.
(2) Aggravating penalty on hirers who are found to have engaged in unauthorised transfers of user permits
As a penalty to hirers who are found to have engaged in unauthorised transfers of user permits, the suspension of booking rights for fee-charging recreation and sports facilities will be extended from 180 days to 360 days to further strengthen the deterrent effect on suspected touting activities.
(3) Leisure Link patrons shall provide the patron numbers of four other users when submitting balloting applications for natural and artificial turf football pitches. The hirer and three of the other users shall sign in and should be present during the use of the booked session
At present, Leisure Link patrons can log into the Leisure Link Internet booking system to submit the balloting applications for natural and artificial turf football pitches (excluding Multi-purpose Turf Pitches). With effect from November 1, Leisure Link patrons shall provide the patron numbers of four other users in addition to their own when submitting the balloting applications. Once the application is accepted and the hirer has paid to confirm the booking, the hirer and three of the users named during application have to be present and produce their original identity documents and recognised qualifications (if necessary) for verification and registration at the check-in counter before using the football pitch. The hirer and the three users must be present during the use of the booked session. For details of Leisure Link patron registration, please refer to w2.leisurelink.lcsd.gov.hk/faq/faqLCSD.jsp#registration_q03.
(4) Adjusting the booking arrangement for cancelled sessions one day after the cancellation
With effect from November 1, the booking time of cancelled sessions one day after cancellation by hirers will be adjusted from 7.30am to 7am through the Leisure Link e-Services System (booking at the Leisure Link booking counters and self-service kiosks will start at 7.15am), enabling the public to make bookings simultaneously with other sports facilities commencing booking at 7am on a first-come, first-served basis under the principle of fairness.
A spokesman for the LCSD said that the department will closely monitor the effectiveness of the new measures and introduce more anti-touting measures when necessary.
Meanwhile, the LCSD is developing a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system to replace the existing Leisure Link computerised booking system. To further combat touting activities and prevent the abuse of facilities, the new system will include a new function of allocating facilities by ballot on top of the first-come, first-served allocation mechanism.
To gauge public views on types of leisure facility, sessions/hours and implementation priority for balloting, an online survey will be held from November 1 to 30. Users at the venues will be invited to scan the QR code and take the online survey on their mobile phones. In addition, members of the public are also welcome to complete the survey during this period through the LCSD website at www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, October 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:33
Issued at HKT 11:33
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