Two licensed premises were found to have watered down their alcoholic drinks, according to the National Consumer Agency’s (NCA) consumer protection list published today.
Bowes Bar in Kiltealy, Co Wexford, under licensee Ms Belinda O’Brien, and Barrack Street Brewery Ltd, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford both sold alcoholic beverages where the percentage alcohol by volume was less than that indicated on the bottle. In contravention of Sections 42 and 43 of the Consumer protection Act 2007 both establishments were issued with a compliance notice.
A further 13 licensed premises are under investigation to establish whether they adulterated drinks. Alcohol samples were taken from all premises by the NCA in November 2008 after a number of consumer complaints of adulterated drinks.
A spokeswoman for the NCA said it was still awaiting test results on the samples taken from the 13 premises.
However according to the NCA’s annual report for 2008 it is likely the agency will be taking enforcement action against a number of licensed premises.
The consumer list published today outlines 85 enforcement actions taken against 67 businesses from July 2008 to the end of June this year.
There were six prosecutions for offences of non-price display, charging prices higher than the displayed price, failure to comply with the requirements of a compliance notice, and offering a clocked car for sale.
There was one prohibition order issued to a furniture company for misleading advertising.
Of the 31 compliance notices issued, 29 related to charging prices higher than the displayed price and two were for adulteration of alcoholic drinks.
National Consumer Agency chief executive Ann Fitzgerald said: "Consumers must be provided with accurate information regarding products and not exposed to unfair or misleading commercial practices.
"It is the agency's intention to continue to use the various tools at its disposal to ensure traders comply with their legal obligations and give consumers the rights to which they are entitled. Of course, we will continue to work with business to help bring about compliance."