Q: I went to a cafeteria and ordered two small beers. When I went to pay the bill I thought it was quite high for only two beers, so I asked what the cost of each beer was.

The cost was €3. I usually pay €1.50 for the same beer when I go to a restaurant or hotel. I asked to speak to the manager to confirm that the price I was charged was correct and he confirmed that it was their price.

I think that I was overcharged for these drinks because I am a foreigner. I am not asking for a refund but such abusive practices need to be stopped.

A: Sellers operate in a free market economy and hence traders are free to decide the prices of the products and services they offer for sale to consumers.

However, consumers have the legal right to be properly informed of the cost of the products and services they are about to purchase so they can make an informed buying decision.

A: The cafe where you purchased the beer from was legally obliged to have a price list where you could check the price of the beer before ordering it. If the cafe had such a price list and the price of the beer was correctly listed, then the MCCAA has no legal basis to intervene.

On the other hand, if consumers in this cafeteria do not have access to a price list before ordering, then our office can send inspectors to confirm your complaint and once confirmed take the necessary legal action.

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010

Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt

MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm

European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)

47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt