Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 28 October 1999

Restaurant discount firm charged

A company selling a scheme for discounted restaurant meals was today charged under the Door to Door Trading Act.

Austar Enterprises Pty Ltd has been charged in relation to the Pacific Good Food and Accommodation Guide and restaurant discount scheme.

It is alleged that Austar Enterprises Pty Ltd sold the "Connoisseur Card" to consumers and failed to inform them of their statutory right to a cooling off period.

The "Connoisseur Card" is sold on behalf of Pacific Good Food and Accommodation Guide Pty Ltd of Queensland. The program promises discounts on restaurant meals.

Commissioner for Fair Trading, Patrick Walker, said that he was concerned that there may be many consumers who bought into the discount scheme who are not aware of their possible entitlement to cancel.

"The Door to Door Trading Act is intended to protect unwary consumers who are called upon at their workplace or home, who may be pressured into making 'on the spot' purchasing decisions.

"Information about the right to a ten day cooling off period is one of the most important provisions of the Door to Door Trading Act" Mr Walker said.

"If a sales representative fails to give the consumer information about the ten day cooling off period, then the entitlement to a refund extends to a period of six months."

"Anyone who is unsure about their right to cancel or their right to a refund should contact the Ministry of Fair Trading for advice" Mr Walker said.

Further charges under the Door to Door Trading Act have also been laid against a director of Austar Enterprises and Pacific Good Food and Accommodation Guide Pty Ltd.

Media Contacts:
Mike Winchester
Tel: (08) 9282 0961