Business legislation
If you trade in the borough we can advise you on compliance with
trading standards laws, notably those controlling:
- weights and measures
- product safety
- consumer credit (credit licensing contact the Office of Fair Trading)
- descriptions of goods and services, including labelling and advertising pricing, sale of age-restricted goods eg cigarettes and videos unfair contract terms
We carry out these functions by:
- checking labels and advertisements for local companies to ensure they comply with the law prior to committing them to print
- advising local businesses on how to meet their legal obligations and how the laws we enforce affect them
- where possible, offering detailed advice on the composition and construction of products
- clearly distinguishing between legal requirements and best practice
- providing businesses with information in writing where
necessary
What to expect from enforcement officers
The current
enforcement policy (pdf) written in
November 2003, outlines what businesses, consumers and
residents can expect from enforcement officers. It protects the
health, safety, welfare and consumer interests of those who live,
work, or are affected by trading activities in the borough.
The policy also sets out principles for good enforcement by outlining clear standards and adopting an open and consistent approach. It explains the different enforcement tools available to officers: from informal advice given to new businesses through to seizure of counterfeit goods. Where legal proceedings are appropriate, the policy explains how evidence is considered and whether a prosecution would satisfy the public interest.