Retailers who ask customers if they have receipt to be protected under Defamation Act

The serious harm test in retail is not included across the board, however, something media organisations have asked the government to reconsider. Media has, however, broadly welcomed the reforms which will do away with juries in defamation cases

Tánaiste Micheál Martin (left) and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the bill would pass the Oireachtas as soon as the Dáil reconvenes in September. Photo: Leon Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Reform of Ireland's defamation laws will include protections for retailers who ask customers if they have a receipt.

Retailers have long argued that the current system allows for large payouts in cases where shoppers are wrongly asked to produce evidence of purchases.