Bambalapitiya restaurant fined Rs. 1 million for overcharging on bottled water
– The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court No. 5 has imposed a Rs. 1 million fine on a Bambalapitiya restaurant for selling a 500 ml bottle of drinking water above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) prescribed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).The case was filed against restaurant. The company pleaded guilty to the charge before court, following which the fine was imposed.
According to the CAA, Order No. 96 published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29 fixes the MRP for bottled drinking water in the 500 ml to 999 ml category at Rs. 80.However, the restaurant had sold a 500 ml bottle of drinking water for Rs. 100, charging Rs. 20 above the prescribed MRP.The CAA reminded consumers that where an MRP has been prescribed by Gazette, bottled drinking water cannot be sold above that price, including at restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments.
Consumers have been advised to check the price marked on bottles against the amount charged on their bills and retain receipts as evidence if they are overcharged.The CAA said information on such violations can be reported through its 1977 hotline during office hours.
