DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has closed down an international coffee shop in a shopping mall for one week for charging higher than the advertised prices.
The closure comes after inspection campaigns carried out by the ministry.
Inspectors from the ministry fined the shop and ordered its closure for a week according to Article No. 10 of Law No. 8 of 2008 concerning consumer protection, as amended by Decree-Law No. 14 of 2011.
“Subject to the provisions of Law No. 19 of 2006 on the protection of competition and the prevention of monopolistic practices, suppliers are prohibited from concealing any commodities or refraining from selling with the intent of manipulating or controlling market prices or imposing the purchase of certain quantities, or imposing the purchase of another commodity in tandem, or charging higher prices than advertised,” stipulates the law.
The closure is published on the ministry’s website as well as two daily newspapers at the expense of the shop in line with Article No. 3 of Law No. 8 on consumer protection.
The ministry said it is determined to protect consumer rights and will intensify inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. The ministry said it will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to authorities to take appropriate action against perpetrators to protect the rights of consumers. It urged consumers to report any violations they find to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through call centre 16001; email: [email protected]; and Twitter account MEC_QATAR
The Peninsula
