A restaurant in Bambalapitiya, Colombo, has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling a 500 ml bottle of drinking water for Rs. 100, exceeding the government-regulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs. 80 by Rs. 20.
The fine was imposed by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court after the defendant company, located on Galle Road, Colombo 04, pleaded guilty to the charge filed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).
According to the CAA, under Order No. 96, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29, the maximum retail price for bottled drinking water in the 500 ml to 999 ml category has been fixed at Rs. 80.
However, the restaurant had sold a 500 ml bottle for Rs. 100, resulting in legal action for violating the prescribed price regulation.
The Consumer Affairs Authority reiterated that restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments are not permitted to sell products above the government-regulated MRP, even when such products are served or sold within their premises.
Consumers have been advised to check the price of bottled drinking water against the amount charged on their bills and retain receipts as evidence if they are charged above the prescribed price.
The CAA further warned traders that violating gazetted maximum retail prices could result in legal action.
The public can report such violations to the Consumer Affairs Authority through its 1977 hotline. (Newswire)