Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 1 August 2006

Short measure pool chemicals prosecution

Agent Sales and Services of Daddow Road in Kewdale has been convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court for supplying short measured pool chemicals and fined $3,600 with $342.50 in costs.

An investigation by Weights and Measures Inspectors, following a consumer’s complaint of being sold a short measure of a pool chemical late last year, led to fifteen bottles of the product being measured and fourteen bottles being found deficient.

Subsequent testing at various outlets of Agent Sales and Services detected numerous other deficiencies in pre-packed pool chemicals.

“Although a first offence for this trader, the short measure findings were widespread and considerable and the Court has recognised this with the size of the penalty on this occasion,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Traders and businesses in the packaging sector have a responsibility to ensure that what they are selling, and what the consumer is paying good money for, is the correct weight.

“As we have seen in this prosecution, having lax measuring procedures will not be tolerated,” Mr. Walker said.

Consumers with concerns about buying goods by weight or measure can contact Consumer Protection for advice on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.