An amended price-freezing order for drinks, which replaces a previous order made only eight days ago, has been signed into law by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Mr Kitt.
The new law strengthens the enforcement of the new statutory control arrangements for the price of drink. The original order made on July 6th was introduced as an attempt to curb the rising inflation rate.
The Minister said he had now made it clear that the "maximum" price charged would be the price as of the date of the price freeze on May 15th.
Yesterday the Minister said the changes in the new order did not alter the substance of the new price controls but clarified certain aspects of their enforcement.
He said that inspectors from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs had been busy enforcing the new price control arrangements over the past week.
"As a result of their experience on the ground, I have decided that it would be appropriate to amend the original order to clarify the means by which they can ascertain the prices charged by an establishment for each of the 15 drinks concerned," Mr Kitt said.
He indicated that in making the new order he was dispelling any doubts that might have arisen as a result of media reports that licensed premises would be precluded from reducing their prices below those obtaining on the effective date of the pricefreeze. "I have now made it clear that the maximum price charged shall be the price on May 15th, 2000," the Minister said.
He said he would continue, with the help of the Director of Consumer Affairs, to monitor the situation closely and would not hesitate to take action again should it prove necessary.