Ice cream in euros

I refer to the letter by Karl Grech (August 22) regarding incorrect dual display when purchasing two ice creams from an establishment in Sliema. The dual display regulations under the Euro Adoption Act and the guidelines published by NECC are to be followed in this regard.

The legal regulations and the guidelines outline the parameters governing the required reporting of prices, values and monetary amounts of goods and services offered to the consumer, in both Maltese lira and euro and how such provision of information can be achieved.

Prices of products or services up till the end of December 2008 should be in Maltese lira with their equivalent euro value displayed. For translating the counter values in dual display, only the irrevocable fixed conversion rate ('1 = Lm0.4293) should be applied. Prices solely in euro are not according to the law. Similarly, the price quoted, be it in Maltese lira or euro must be the price paid with no exchange or administrative charges levied.

This means that the outlet in question is breaching the law on two counts.

Firstly, by not displaying the price in Maltese lira and secondly by not using the correct conversion rate.

Legal Notice 4 or 2007 specifically prohibits such practices and establishes an enforcement mechanism which may lead to hefty fines. Although the Euro Observatory is doing its best to monitor each establishment in Malta and Gozo, consumers such as Mr Grech are encouraged to report such breaches on linja ewro 154 or by sending an e-mail to euro@gov.mt.

The Euro Observatory will investigate such reports and be able to inform the complainant of any action taken.