50 outlets warned for flouting rules in Umm Al Quwain

The consumer protection section of the department of economic development in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain has issued warning letters for outlets here for flouting rules.
Most of the violations registered; around 30 per cent, were about unreasonable price hikes and selling expired products that proved to unfit for human consumption, and pose a risk to public health.
The erring institutions were nabbed as part of intensified inspection campaigns across the northern emirate, according to Juma Jassim Al Mansuri, head of the consumer protection section.
"The institutions - warned for violating the conditions of public health and safety, included markets, groceries, restaurants, water factories, and food plants from all over the emirate."
The Section has received 240 complaints from the public this year so far, he added. "On top of these a big dispute between an Emirati national and one of the contractors operating in the emirate."
The litigation over some improper and late construction works have been settled in an amicable way, he explained. "The Section has processed many other complaints related to trade license."
Some institutions further proved to have illegally increased the prices of some goods without prior approval from the concerned department, and some failed to honour the warranty of the products they sold, Al Mansuri elaborated.
"Some receiver shops helped their customers get the deciphered Sat channels of some companies here decoded, and sell these to the public in a sheer breach of intellectual property rights."
The Section, in a bid to clamp down such violations, has met with 20 trade license holders to mull over prices, warranties, after sale service, and many other relevant issues for benefit of all parties.
"All trade license holders have been asked to issue detailed invoices their customers, and observe their rights, particularly the due price, and never hike them without getting approval from the department.' 
Al Mansuri said the warning letters and fines issued are meant to protect customers' health and rights. "More inspection campaigns are planned to curb such violations."
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Umm Al Quwain