‘Bruno Mars Act’ Takes Aim At Online Ticket Scalpers

Bruno Mars could have new legislation named after him as a result of a problem that recently popped up in Hawaii.

The singer’s scheduled shows in Honolulu, Hawaii sold out within the span of three hours. However, only about six percent of tickets went to people who actually showed up in-person. Most of the tickets ended up in the hands of opportunistic online scalpers who lawmakers believe will resell them for a ridiculous amount of money.

As a result, lots of people who showed up to buy the tickets walked away empty-handed. Legislators are hoping to put a stop to this practice with something they’ve dubbed the Bruno Mars Act.

“Anyone who takes the time to show up in person should have the opportunity to purchase tickets for at least the first two days before opening up to online sales. It’s unfortunate that out-of-state ticket brokers and scalpers will resell these concert tickets back to local residents for an enormous profit,” State Senate President Donna Mercado Kim explained.

If the legislation passes in Hawaii, then fans who show up in person at the box office will have first dibs at good seats. Online sales will begin 48 hours after tickets for shows go on sale.

The house bill also wants to prevent people from using computer programs to bust through online security to purchase tickets in bulk. Kim ultimately wants to squash scalping altogether.

“If you’re a loyal fan standing in line to purchase a coveted concert ticket and plan to attend that concert, you should be able to have more that six percent of a chance to purchase ticket,” she explained in a statement.

The Honolulu Civl Beat points out that the proposed legislative resolutions aren’t laws. However, Kim is hoping the Bruno Mars Act will help curb online ticket scalpers and allow people who are genuinely interested in the artists get a fair shot at scoring good seats without paying outrageous prices.

A quick look at eBay shows that dozens of tickets for Bruno Mars’ upcoming shows in Honolulu are selling for outrageous sums of cash. Fans who want floor seats to the April gigs will have to pony up around $1,000 for a pair of tickets. If you need more tickets for your friends, then you’ll have to spend a lot more money.

What do you think about the Bruno Mars Act? Do you think people who show up to the box office in-person should have first shot at tickets?