The acting Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Sandy Otto, is warning retailers not to mislead or deceive consumers about the price of alcohol following the introduction of the NT Government’s floor price legislation.
The minimum floor price legislation means a standard drink may not be sold for less than $1.30.
There has been a lot of public comment about alcoholic beverage prices especially beer prices increasing well beyond the floor price legislation and the increase being blamed on this legislation.
The below chart outlines the minimum that beer products may be sold for under the minimum floor price legislation.
If your beer product(s) are for sale at a higher price point than of that listed below, that is a decision of the retailer.
However if your beer product(s) are for sale at a higher price point than of that listed below and you are told it is as a result of the minimum floor price legislation, that may be a misleading or deceptive practice.
Any retailers found increasing the cost of products beyond the prices in the attached table and blaming the minimum floor price legislation could be engaging in misleading or deceptive practices and may be in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Heavy penalties apply with up to $500,000 for an individual and $10 million for a corporation.
If Territorians feel they may be being misled or deceived, they can contact consumer affairs on 8999 1999 or 1800 019 319 or email consumer@nt.gov.au
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
