May 31, 2007 — Businesses must submit the first installment of this year's hurricane price list to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) by Friday, according to a news release issued by DLCA.
Every year at the onset of hurricane season, DLCA requests that businesses furnish an official price list of their goods and merchandise in stock and for the services they offer to the public. "This information affords DLCA a tool to combat the price gouging which often surfaces after a hurricane, when goods and services are scarce and consumer demand is high," the news release said.
After presentation of the first price list, businesses must continue to submit updated price lists on the first of each month until Nov. 30. If a business has not changed its prices or acquired new products or services, however, the business can submit a letter certifying that the previous price list turned in is still valid, the news release said.
The demand for price list, authorized under Title 3, Section 272(c) of the V.I. Code, is primarily targeted at businesses whose goods and services are necessary for hurricane preparation and recovery. Business that must submit price lists include all supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, water and water-delivery businesses, contractors, plumbers, electricians and masons. Failure to submit a price list or certification letter by the first of each month will result in a $5000 fine, the news release said.
Price-list sample forms for certain businesses are available for pickup at DLCA offices. For more information, contact Consumer Affairs Director Howard Dyer on St. Croix at 773-2226, ext. 227, Chief Investigator Clive A. Mills on St. Thomas at 774-3130, ext. 266, or Karen Stapleton on St. John at 693-8036.
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