Drinks Prices
Until recently the law made it clear that all pubs had to show a drinks price list. In May this year that law (the Price Marking Food and Drink) Services Order) was repealed. Following a Brussels Directive, it was replaced by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs). These CPRs no longer say in so many words that pubs must show drinks prices, and we have heard that in at least some parts of the country Trading Standards Officers - who have the responsibility of enforcing this law - are interpreting this as meaning that pubs no longer have to show a price list.
We think this interpretation is wrong, and is letting consumers down.
What the CPRs do say is that, in effect, traders are breaking the law if they fail to give customers the information they need to make buying decisions, and that this usually includes price. In their notes of guidance on the CPRs, the Office of Fair Trade and the relevant Government department (BERR) go on to say "For example, in restaurants, the prices of the food and drink available will usually need to be given to consumers before they order."
This seems to us pretty clear: if pubs fail to show what their drinks prices are before you order, then they are breaking the law. We think that Trading Standards Officers ought to be making this absolutely clear to pubs in their areas, and ought to enforce the law.
What do you think? Do comment below!
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seadog
Sunday 08 February 2009 7:40:51 pm