Dear Editor,
The commentary by Conor Pope concerning the need for significant sanctions against companies violating the law, as endorsed by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), is highly noteworthy. An example that stands out pertains to licensed establishments breaching their legal obligations. The law mandates pub owners, as delineated by the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999, to exhibit a drink price sample conspicuously within their premises. This regulation is also underlined on CCPC’s official website. However, it’s often observed that these displays are largely missing in such places.
Customers purchasing beverages in such establishments often remain oblivious of the prices until after the point of purchase. It leaves room for them to later find that the transaction wasn’t satisfactory, by that point a clear infringement of basic contract law has occurred. If public house proprietors seek reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate, it’s crucial they reduce the inflated prices of drinks, most notably in Dublin, and abide by the statutory requirement that mandates clearly visible price displays.
To summaries, trade regulations need to be more stringent and their breach should be penalised to ensure consumer rights are not violated.
Kind Regards,
David Power,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.