Consumer Information Act, 1978

False or misleading indications of prices or charges.

7.—(1) If a person offering to supply goods of any description or provide any services or accommodation gives by any means a false or misleading indication of—

(a) the price or charge for the goods, services or accommodation,

(b) the price or charge at or for which the goods or goods of the same description or the services or accommodation were or was previously offered,

(c) a recommended price for the goods, or

(d) any charge for installation of or servicing of the goods or any price for ancillary equipment reasonably required for the purpose of the use or enjoyment of the goods,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) an indication that goods, services or accommodation were or was previously offered at a different price or charge or at a particular price or charge shall be treated, unless the contrary is expressed, as an indication that they were so offered openly at the same place within the preceding 3 months for not less than 28 successive days;

(b) an indication as to a recommended price—

(i) shall be treated, unless the contrary is expressed, as an indication that it is a price recommended by the manufacturer, producer or other supplier, and

(ii) shall be treated, unless the contrary is expressed, as an indication that it is a price recommended generally for supply by retail in the area where the goods are offered;

(c) anything likely to be taken as an indication as to a recommended price or as to the price or charge at or for which goods, services or accommodation were or was previously offered shall be treated as such an indication;

(d) a person advertising goods, services or accommodation as available for supply or provision shall be taken as offering to supply or provide them or it; and

(e) an indication of the price or charge at or for which any goods, services or accommodation are or is offered by a person shall be treated, unless the contrary is expressed, as an indication that those goods, services or accommodation are or is offered at or for that price or charge in every place in the State where those goods, services or accommodation are or is offered by the person:

Provided that, where such an indication is given at the place where the goods, services or accommodation are offered, the indication shall be treated, unless the contrary is expressed, as relating only to the goods, services or accommodation offered at that place.