CAA gets tough with errant traders

by Carol Aloysius

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will come down hard on errant traders of consumer goods islandwide.

CAA Chairman J.M.U Douglas told the Sunday Observer that special committees are being set up countrywide to check errant traders charging over and above the revised controlled prices of consumer items. Douglas said that the Divisional Secretary had already informed Government Agents in each district to set up these committees.

The committees comprising investigative officers of the CAA, Public Health Inspectors, Development Officers and Samurdhi leaders will be set up in every city, town and village.

"They will visit all outlets selling consumer goods and check on the prices. If any trader sells consumer items over and above the controlled price, legal action will be taken and his licence cancelled", he said. Already, 350 traders have been nabbed and 225 cases have been filed so far. The remaining cases will be filed in the next 2-3 days", he said.

The fines will range from Rs 10,000 for small retail outlets and boutiques and companies which failed to sell consumer goods at the reduced price will be fined between Rs. 10,000 - 100,000. "Full cream milk now at Rs 325 per 400 gramme packet, sugar, flour, sprats, gas and kerosene are among the goods still being sold at their former prices in certain areas. Our hotline 1977 is open 24 hours daily to receive complaints", he said.