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2014 Commonwealth Games
30/04/2008
MSPs today passed the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Bill putting in place measures aimed at ensuring Scotland's 2014 Games is a success.
The legislation prohibits unauthorised ticket sales, 'ambush marketing', and provides powers to address transport and land purchase issues.
Under terms set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Scottish Government gave a commitment that, when Glasgow won, legislation covering these areas would be in place by 2010.
Mr Maxwell said:
"Bringing the Games to Glasgow is great news for Scotland and I am delighted that this Bill, designed to protect the event, has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
"We have now put in place the measures to stop activities that could undermine its success. Staging the Games gives us the opportunity to showcase one of the world's most dynamic cities and highlight the very best of Scotland."
The main measures of the Bill will:
- Create new criminal offences prohibiting unauthorised advertising and outdoor trading within the vicinity of the Games venues, with penalties on summary conviction of a fine not exceeding £20,000 or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment
- Create a new criminal offence to prohibit the unauthorised sale of Games tickets in public, in excess of face value or with a view to making a profit, with penalties on summary conviction of a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000)
- Provide councils with the power to make Games traffic regulation orders
- Provide councils with the power to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order for land within their area which they believe is required for the Games purposes