Pricing
What the legislation does.
- Requires that where goods are offered for retail sale, the selling price and, where appropriate (small shops may be exempt), the unit price must be given to consumers in writing (this includes in catalogues, in shops and via the internet). Advice from TS Central
- Display of prices in restaurants and licensed premises. Advice from DTi
- Display of prices for overnight accommodation. Advice from TsCentral
- Display of exchange rates in Bureaux de change. Advice from DTi
- Requires resellers of for example concert tickets to declare the original face value. Ensures that any prices given are accurate and not misleading.
- Imposes obligations on suppliers of domestic goods who supply extended warranties, ensuring cancellation and termination rights and clear pricing.
Enforcement
Routine visits to premises to ensure pricing is displayed, is accurate and complies with the requirements. A Code of Practice for Traders on Price Indications is available http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file8127.pdf
Test purchases may be carried out. Premises where EPOS is in use are spot checked regularly with a random selection of products scanned for accuracy. Advertisements, posters and any other media (radio, press and TV) must be monitored for pricing violations. Ticket touts are investigated.
Premises affected
Almost all premises where goods and/or services are sold. Filling stations, shops, supermarkets, bureaux de change, licensed premises, bed & breakfasts, hotels, cafes. Any other outlet or advertising medium ? newspapers, TV, radio, internet. Occasional events e.g. highland shows, T in the Park.
Key Legislation
Consumer Protection Act 1987
Development of Tourism Act 1969
Prices Act 1974Prices Act 1975
Price Marking (Pre-packed Milk in Vending Machines) Order 1976
Tourism (Sleeping Accommodation Price Display) Order 1977
Price Marking (Food and Drink Services) Order 2003
Price Marking Order 2004
Consumer Protection (Code of Practice for Traders on Price Indications) Approval Order 1988
Price Indications (Method of Payment) Regulations 1991
Price Indications (Bureaux de Change) (No 2) Regulations 1992
Price Indications (Resale of Tickets) Regulations 1994
Supply of Extended Warranties on Domestic Electrical Goods Order 2005
