This is another pro-active move by the State Government to help Queensland consumers.
This is the text of the Minister's Media Release:
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
24/06/2009
7-Eleven store fined for false price scans
The operator of a 7-Eleven convenience store at Redbank Plains has been fined $4000 in the Ipswich Magistrates Court for overcharging on products.
Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the store, managed by Shree Salasar Balaji Pty Ltd, was charging more for products than their listed shelf price.
"Fair Trading officers conducted a random spot-check on the store in 2008 and discovered a number of products being overcharged," Mr Lawlor said.
"A follow-up visit later last year revealed that despite the original problems being rectified, further products were being overcharged relative to their shelf price.
"The substantial punishment underlines to retailers the importance of ensuring their scanning systems are accurate.
"Consumers need to feel comfortable when making purchasing decisions that they are being treated fairly."
Mr Lawlor encouraged consumers to watch carefully when their items were scanned at the checkout and question any prices that appeared to be incorrect.
"Keep your eyes on the scanner, check your dockets and if you think there's a problem, talk to the attendant or manager," he said.
"If the store operates under the voluntary Code of Practice for Computerised Systems in Supermarkets, you may even be entitled to receive an incorrectly scanned product for free."
Mr Lawlor said the prosecution comes as the Office of Fair Trading hosted a recent forum on price scanning with 25 retail industry representatives.
"The forum provided an opportunity to discuss price scanning issues and identify solutions to any problems retailers are experiencing," he said.
"Fair Trading is committed to working with retailers on these issues however it will pursue enforcement action when consumers are misled.
"Maximum penalties for breaching the Queensland Fair Trading Act 1989 range from $54,000 for an individual to $270,000 for corporations.
Mr Lawlor urged consumers who were unable to resolve a problem with a store to contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or visit its website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au for more information.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
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