Q.  My local grocery shop does not display prices for some of the goods it sells. Is it required to do so by law?

19.05.08

In general, shops must display the selling price of every item offered for sale. Prices must be shown in euro and must be complete, without hidden extra charges. Unit prices for products sold by weight, volume or measure must also be shown (for example, price per litre or kilo) and displayed on or close to the item. There are some exceptions to this such as items which are 50 grams (or 50ml) or less.

All prices for goods and services available to the consumer must be inclusive of taxes including VAT. An exception to this is where the goods are intended solely for a business customer. There are also specific laws covering the display of prices in bars, restaurants, service stations and hairdressers and specific requirements relating to advertising of prices for airfares, concerts and theatre performances. The law prohibits false or misleading indications of the price, but if a shop makes an honest mistake - for example, a few labels are wrong and the marked price is lower than what the price should be - you don't have an automatic right to buy the goods at the marked price.

If you have a complaint about the pricing of goods or services, you should begin by taking it up with the retailer. If you are still not satisfied, you may make a complaint to the National Consumer Agency, 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, Lo-call 1890 432 432.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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