In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Mr Gaile was found guilty on two charges under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, and one charge under the Consumer Protection (NI) Order 1987.
On 16 February 2007 Mr Gaile advertised a quantity of new ‘Bangor Blue’ roof slates in a local newspaper, for sale at £5,500. A customer purchased the slates believing them, in good faith, to be genuine Bangor Blues.
Upon later inspection, the customer suspected that the slates were not authentic Bangor Blues, and complained to the Trading Standards Service (TSS).
The subsequent investigation by TSS revealed that the slates were not in fact Bangor Blues, but an inferior quality slate. Furthermore the customer had been charged an extra £962.50 VAT, in addition to the advertised price.
Bronagh Deery, Trading Standards Area Inspector said: “It is imperative that, when it comes to describing goods businesses are open and honest in their dealings with consumers. Additionally, the price given to the consumer must include VAT and any other non-optional charges.”
Anyone who believes they have been sold goods that have been misdescribed, or that they have been misled about the price they paid for goods, should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 62 62 or 028 9025 3900, or alternatively, log on to www.consumerline.org.
Notes to Editors
- The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 creates offences for applying and supplying goods to which a false trade description has been applied.
- The Consumer Protection (NI) Order 1987 creates offences when a trader misleads a consumer as to the price they are required to pay for goods and services.
- For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
