CCPC finds potential breaches of law after 80 inspections

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has uncovered potential breaches of consumer law following 80 unannounced inspections of businesses across six Irish counties. These inspections, targeting sectors ranging from petrol stations to hair salons, aimed to ensure businesses adhere to legal standards, with some prompted by complaints received through the CCPC's helpline.

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Where breaches of the law are found, businesses are required to take corrective action, and our enforcement teams work closely with them to help ensure compliance.

During the visits, CCPC officers examined a wide array of businesses, including gift shops, pubs, cafés, supermarkets, clothing retailers, jewellers, hairdressers, and petrol stations. They identified potential issues such as inaccurate or inadequate price displays, failures to exhibit required hallmarking notices, and misleading commercial practices. Despite these findings, the commission noted a "strong level of compliance among many retailers."

Officers specifically focused on key tourist areas in anticipation of the peak summer season, ensuring transparent pricing and fair commercial practices. For instance, 14 inspections occurred in Dublin, including popular spots like Temple Bar, while Kilkenny saw 16 inspections and Galway had 13. Kerry recorded 16 inspections, mainly in Dingle and Kenmare, and Wexford and Waterford together hosted 21 inspections, including in Tramore.

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Further inspections will be carried out and where continued breaches of the law are found, enforcement action may follow, up to and including prosecution.

The CCPC stated that businesses found in breach of the law must take corrective action, with enforcement teams assisting in ensuring compliance. The commission warned that further inspections are planned, and persistent breaches could lead to enforcement action, potentially including prosecution. CCPC Chairperson Brian McHugh affirmed the watchdog's commitment to supporting businesses but stressed its readiness to act against traders who deliberately deceive consumers.

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continue to support and engage with businesses to support compliance, but where necessary we can and will take enforcement action against traders who continue to deliberately deceive consumers

McHugh also highlighted the CCPC's pursuit of direct fining powers, which he believes would significantly enhance its enforcement toolkit by allowing for the issuance of substantial fines. Consumers suspecting breaches of consumer law are encouraged to contact the CCPC's National Consumer Helpline or email ask@ccpc.ie. The article also notes recent successful prosecutions against Quills Woollen Market and Brown Thomas Arnotts for misleading consumers and breaking sales pricing laws, respectively.

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will be an essential addition to our enforcement toolkit.