Consumers reminded of their rights

The advice is contained in a statement issued by the division advising consumers to be responsible in the coming year.

“If the items have a defect, you are entitled to redress,” according to the statement.

A spokesman at the division said that the Adverse Trade Practice Order 2000 outlaws all such clauses on receipts and under the law it is illegal to have such statements either displayed in the store or printed on receipts and bills.

The spokesman said where instances of violations of the law are brought to the attention of the division, the offending merchant is asked to remove the notice and most of the time they comply.

Failure to comply constitutes an offence for which the vendor can be charged.

On summary conviction the merchant can be fined $5,000 and imprisoned for four months while if the offender is found guilty of an indictable offence they can be fined $10,000 and imprisoned for two years.