Dublin retailer fined €2,000
18 May 2009
On Monday 18 May 2009, Marwa Limited , Suite 1, 22a South Richmond Street, Dublin 2 (trading as Spiceland) was convicted by Dublin District Court in respect of 10 counts of failing to display the selling and unit prices of grocery items.
The company was fined €200 per count - a total of €2,000. Costs of €500 were also awarded. The offences occurred at Spiceland, 4 Sth. Richmond Street on 23 October 2008.
Welcoming the court outcome, the Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency, Ms. Ann Fitzgerald said, "I am pleased that the trader was convicted and fined. It is unacceptable that some retailers continue to ignore their legal obligations to display prices. The legislation is there so that consumers can check the prices of products and compare them with the prices of similar items in the store, or with the prices charged by competing retail outlets."
Ms Fitzgerald added, "This is the third case brought before the courts this month for price display offences. On 5 May 2009 the owners of two Galway stores - Marcon Retail Limited trading as No. 1 Shop and Carnmore Stores, received fines of €600 and €1,500 respectively. Costs of €1,200 and €1,000 were also awarded."
The NCA has wide ranging powers under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 to take action against traders who breach consumer legislation. These range from prosecution to the issue of Fixed Payment Notices.
Ms. Fitzgerald indicated that approximately 40 fixed payment notices (on the spot fines) have been paid by retailers in respect of price display breaches during the past 18 months. According to the CEO, the agency, as an alternative to prosecution has opted to issue fixed payment notices (fines) to retailers for failing to display prices.
Ms Fitzgerald said: "The owners of the three stores were given an option to pay a fine but they did not do so within the 28 day statutory limit."
Ms. Fitzgerald advised that the agency would continue to carry out periodic enforcement blitzes to put pressure on traders to display their prices. These inspections also include checks to ensure that consumers are not charged prices higher than those displayed on the product or on the shelf edge label. "Retailers must treat consumers fairly by providing the correct pricing information to enable them make informed choices," Ms. Fitzgerald said.