Issue Date:  -  Monday, 3 April 2000

Unlicensed travel agent fined

An Albany travel agent was yesterday fined a total of $2500 in relation to three charges under the Travel Agents Act after prosecution action by the Ministry of Fair Trading.

Gerard John English (52) pleaded guilty to one charge of carrying on business as a travel agent without a current licence, one of holding himself out as a licensed travel agent, and one charge of using another travel agent’s licence number.

Mr English purchased Lynch’s Travel Centre on Albany Hwy, in May of 1999 but failed to apply for a travel agent’s licence despite being aware of the requirements.

It is an offence under the Act for a licence to be transferred, loaned or used by another person.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said it was compulsory for travel agents to be licensed, because this ensured their customers would have the protection of the national Travel Compensation Fund.

“The fund compensates consumers if a travel agent defaults, so consumers need to be confident that the travel agent they’re dealing with holds a licence as claimed,” Mr Walker said.

In May last year, the Travel Compensation Fund reminded Mr English that the previous owner’s licence was not transferable, that he had not applied to participate in the fund and that he was trading illegally.

Mr English acknowledged to Ministry of Fair Trading officers that he had received this fax, but still used the previous owner’s licence number.

On 31 August 1999 and 4 other dates, an advertisement appeared in the ‘Albany Advertiser’ for Lynch’s Travel, while Mr English was the owner, using the previous owner’s licence details.

In September 1999, Mr English admitted to Ministry officers that since 1 July 1999, he had arranged travel, sold tickets and arranged accommodation for about 40 people without holding a travel agent’s licence.

Mr English advised the Ministry he had been in the travel business for about 25 years and had been a lecturer in travel and tourism. He recently withdrew an application to obtain a travel agent’s licence.

Media contact:
Neil Stanbury
Tel (08) 9282 0613

Operational Information:
Will Morgan
Tel (08) 9282 0663