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Ordinance would prohibit scalping lift tickets in Park City

Posted at 5:48 PM, Feb 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-28 20:52:00-05

PARK CITY, Utah - Park City is considering an ordinance that would fine people who resell lift tickets for city ski resorts.

Scalping tickets is not illegal in Utah, but the resorts say it's cutting into their business. Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley say it's a growing problem that is not only a problem for them, but for guests, too.

"When you purchase tickets in the parking lot or in the plaza you never know what you're getting. Who knows if that ticket has value," said Krista Parry, PCMR public relations.

If the ordinance passes, it would make resale of lift tickets a Class B misdemeanor and allow police to cite those who resell tickets. Those cited would be required to pay a $100 fine.

The ordinance wouldn't target buying tickets online, but only face-to-face transactions in resort parking lots - sometimes just feet from resort ticket offices - and would operate based on complaints.

Critics say that since scalping is not illegal, ski resorts shouldn't get special treatment over any other venue.

"I think once you pay for the use of the ticket, it's yours. It's your right what you do with it, and I think it's a way for these resorts almost to be greedy and take more money than they really should. They're already profitable'," said skier Taylor Brody.

The city hosted a workshop on Thursday to discuss the ordinance. If it moves forward, the council could vote on it by the end of March.