The new price-marking order must be implemented by retailers by the 18th March 2000. Retail prices must be visible to consumers so they can see the price of products without having to ask. Most pre-packaged goods that are marked with a quantity will also have to be unit priced, so as to allow price comparisons between the same product packed in different sizes. An exemption from unit pricing has been granted for goods in small shops, defined as a floor area not exceeding 280 square metres. We will hope to see jewellers in particular using price labels that are fully visible and readable.
From time to time we hear about the horrid ingredients that are used in the preparation of some wines. Consumer organisations have long pressed for disclosure of all ingredients on the label. The European Commission has now extended the period for establishing detailed rules for this labelling for five years, until 30th June 2005. It has been made clear that aromatised wine-based beverages and cocktails will be included as well as spirits. There are likely to be rules for beer, cider and perry but not for alcopops. Drinks included will be those with more than 1.2% alcohol.
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects those who, using their credit card, buy goods over the value of £100, but does it apply to goods bought over the net? So far the credit card companies have avoided any legal action in which they have declined to cover goods bought abroad, refunding the sums involved as an ‘act of goodwill’.
The Consumers in Europe Group is seeking support in asking for legislation to make sure those buying by credit card on the net are protected. Meanwhile guide lines on Consumer Protection in E-commerce have been agreed between members of the organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. They include fair advertising and market practice, clear information about the sellers and their goods and services, clear and fair contract terms, secure payment mechanisms and fair access to redress.
In the 1930s a Harley Street physician, Dr Bach, devised a system of seven major emotional groups such as fear, uncertainty or loneliness, and an accompanying 38 negative states. He then formulated a homeopathic plant or flower remedy to treat each of these. Bach Flower Remedies Ltd recently sought to prevent another firm using what they considered to be eight registered trade marks using the words "Bach" or "Flower Remedies" The Court of Appeal decided that these words were now used in a generic sense and so were not registrable. This was in accordance with the teaching and wishes of Dr Bach, who wanted everyone to be allowed to benefit from them.
For the purposes of security of tenure within the meaning of section 1(1) of the Housing Act 1988, how do you define whether a room is a dwelling or merely a rented room in an hotel? The crucial question is whether the tenant has exclusive possession. A previous case also defined a dwelling as necessarily containing facilities for living, sleeping and cooking (whether provided by the landlord or the tenant) even if it was only a bed-sitting room. Toilet and bathroom facilities may be shared. In a later appeal case, two of the learned judges agreed, but the third questioned whether the provision of cooking facilities should be an absolute requirement. The same criteria were among those that defined a motor-caravan, as opposed to a car or van in which one could sleep, in the days when there was an exemption from car tax.
The Plymouth Group explored the possibility of having their Christmas lunch in a community hall. This was frustrated when it was found that the kitchen was mostly used as an office! A MAFF and Department of Health booklet "Are you serving food in a community building?" shows the questions to ask when considering either doing the catering yourself or employing an outside caterer. Is the kitchen big enough? Is there space to separate raw and cooked foods? Is there enough fridge space? - and lots more. It is aimed at those serving more than tea and biscuits, or home caterers who must register with their local Council.
An Office of Fair Trading enquiry into private medical insurance (PMI) and services has demanded much improved clarity and accuracy in the information available to policy holders. However, the Director General says: "My job is to investigate possible consumer detriment and determine whether competition is healthy. In this case I find that the structure of the PMI business is competitive and that reference to the Competition Commission is not warranted.
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