Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 17 September 2003

Unregistered business prosecuted

Ms Mariella Concetta Harvey-Hanrahan and Ms Lillian Russo were fined $200 with costs of $143.70 each for failing to register their business name.

Ms Harvey-Hanrahan and Ms Russo have continued to operate their Carillon Arcade business, Lou Lou’s Fashion Accessories, without registration. This is a breach of the Business Names Act 1962.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said, “We became aware that the business was trading without registration. We contacted the business on several occasions urging them to register their name but the proprietors failed to respond.

“The Business Names Act ensures proprietors of a business can be identified. This helps consumers or other traders to protect their interests, should they need to take redress action against that business.

“In this case we began investigations into Lou Lou’s after receiving a complaint from a businessman regarding his dealings with them. He was not able to identify who the proprietors were and in desperation contacted us.

“The requirement for business names to be registered also prevents a business from trading with the same or similar name to an already registered business. This is important for businesses and consumers so confusion between two businesses does not occur.

“We will not allow proprietors to continue to trade while unregistered. The Department carries out investigations to ensure compliance with the Act. Yesterday’s result should serve as a warning to proprietors of any business to make sure their business is registered to avoid prosecution,.” Mr Walker said.

The cost of registering a business name is $103. Forms are available from Consumer Protection or online at www.docep.wa.gov.au.

For more information on how to register a business name, contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 14.