Consumer Laws
Consumer laws exist to protect us as consumers (or customers). They are there to stop businesses from ripping us off. The main laws are:
Sale of Goods Act - all goods must be fit for the purpose that they were made for. So if you buy a waterproof jacket and it gets you wet through in the rain, that is not fit for purpose. Take it back and get a refund!
Trade Descriptions Act - this law says that all goods must be described correctly. So a local car dealer cannot say a car is in 'Perfect Condition' if the doors are hanging off!
Weights and Measures Act - my favourite law. This says that the correct weight or measure must be stated on the product and you must receive exactly what you pay for. So for example, if I buy a pint of beer from the pub, I must receive a full pint of beer and not half a pint of froth like they do in some pubs down town, the con-merchants!
Food Safety Act - this law says that all food premises must be clean and hygienic. Food Safety Officers can close down take-aways and restaurants if they find mice droppings or cockroaches - trust me, it happens!
Consumer Protection Law - this law covers many things, but the main issues are that dangerous goods must contain health warnings, such as the poison sign on a bottle of bleach. Shops must also not try to con us when they put items in a sale. If a product is in a sale, it must have been sold at a higher price for at least 28 days within the last 6 months.