MOVES aimed at clamping down on ticket touts and unauthorised trading during next year's Commonwealth Games have been stepped up.
The Scottish Government has started a consultation over the plans which, if approved, would mean anyone involved in unauthorised trading or advertising at the big sporting event in Glasgow will be liable to have merchandise seized or be fined up to £20,000 upon conviction.
MSPs had previously heard that rogue organisations hoped to cash in on the Games.
Holyrood approved the general principles of a bill aimed at creating the legal powers to organise and police the event six years ago.
That led to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Act 2008 which came into force three years ago.
The new trading regulations are aimed at ensuring the safety and integrity of the event and serve to activate restrictions agreed in the Act at 17 Commonwealth Games venues.
The Scottish Government's consultation sets out proposals for the controls, detailed maps of the event zones affected and the period of proposed restrictions.
It will give police the power to arrest those involved in so-called ambush marketing stunts during the Games. Anyone attempting to advertise in and around Commonwealth Games venues without signing organisers' lucrative marketing deals could face criminal prosecution.
Similar legislation regulated street trading and advertising at the London 2012 Olympic Games, including football events at Hampden.
Critics have warned the crackdown raises the prospect of a pub landlord facing prosecution simply for selling customers a pie and a pint while they watch the Games live on a big screen.
At the 2010 World Cup, two people were arrested on suspicion of ambush marketing for Bavaria beer, after 36 women in orange minidresses appeared in the stands at a Holland match.
The Government says the majority of businesses will continue operating as normal, while businesses outwith the regulations will be able to apply to Glasgow 2014 for authorisation to advertise or trade during the Games period.
The Government said enforcement will be by designated and experienced officers appointed by Glasgow 2014, drawn from local authorities.
Before the Act was approved, MSPs raised concerns about the recruitment, training and powers of temporary enforcement officers, who will be taken on to deal with Games offences.
The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland, the Scottish Police Federation and the Scottish Police Authorities Forum also called the role of the officers into question.
Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "Over 11 days next year, hundreds of thousands of residents, visitors and spectators will enjoy some world-class sport and experience a great Glasgow welcome.
"Regulating trading and advertising in the vicinity of the sports arenas ensures we can protect the character and integrity of the Commonwealth Games and minimise disruption to local people or businesses.
"These regulations will allow Glasgow 2014 to control activity at an appropriate scale that allows the free flow of spectators and traffic to and from the games venues."
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