Watchdog targets retailers for failing to display prices

CCPC enforcement teams carry out inspections throughout the year.

Centra, Costcutter, Homesavers, Spar and Mr Price outlets are among retailers who breached consumer law and were the subject of the most recent enforcement action by the consumer protection watchdog.

The CCPC published details of enforcement actions against traders in Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Waterford and Wicklow. Convenience stores and homeware shops feature on the list, along with a Donegal pub, a Wicklow deli and an online car parts retailer.

Thirty-one fixed payment notices and compliance notices were issued to 18 traders across the country for a range of consumer rights breaches, including failure to comply with price display laws and giving consumers misleading information about their rights.

The measures are the result of inspections and investigations carried out by CCPC officers in-store and online.

A Centra outlet in Wicklow, the Oasis Bar in Donegal and a Eurospar in Ballymun were among those subject to enforcement for failing to display prices.

The Mr Price outlet in Kingsmeadow, Co Waterford, and Costcutter in Baile na hAbhann, Co Galway, were among five outlets issued with fixed payment notices for a failure to display unit pricing.

Car parts online seller MicksGarage.com was issued two compliance notices for misleading information given to consumers on their rights. They were among four outlets issued with compliance notices. The CCPC said traders must not mislead consumers about their rights under the law, from the 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases to the right to redress for faulty goods.

Tongali Trading Ltd trading as Ciaran O’Flynn Jewellers, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was issued one compliance notice for failing to display a required precious metals information notice to consumers.

“Consumer protection law supports consumers to make informed choices when shopping," CCPC chairperson Brian McHugh said. 

"Whether online or in store, traders must not mislead consumers about their rights. Consumers must be able to compare prices, get redress for faulty goods, and use the 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases across the EU."