Consumer Council and the F&B industry met up to discuss about enhancing information in food price list
The Consumer Council, together with Macao Government Tourism Office (DST), and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), met with two associations of the food and beverage industry earlier to discuss about the services of local F&B industry, especially on enhancing the transparency of food price list. The associations agree with the suggestion given, and will disseminate the information to its members to abide by the laws to safeguard consumer rights.
Food and beverage industry is the most consumed sector by local citizens, it is also an important element in promoting Macao to inbound tourists, the Consumer Council, therefore, is concerned about the service quality of the industry and whether consumers’ needs are met. The Council, DST, and IACM met with The United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao and Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering earlier to discuss about the operation and service quality of local F&B industry.
The Council indicates that the clarity of a service or food price list affects consumers directly in their choice and impression of the F&B outlet, the concerned industry should pay attention to the accuracy of their price lists, and should update the information with the enforcing department whenever there is an update in price. For inbound tourists who are not familiar with the local market, they should be informed of any minimum charge or additional service charges by the outlets to avoid any misunderstandings that would affect the image of the local F&B industry.
Representatives of DST and IACM also requested the industry to strictly abide by the regulations of Decree-law no. 16/96/M to inform the enforcing department whenever adjustment is made to the price list.
The two associations agree that consumers’ needs in their services are increasing, and will urge their members to enhance their awareness in consumer protection, and look forward to working together with the relevant government departments.
In response to the SAR Government’s plan to promote the F&B industry as a brand of Macao tourism, the Council established the ‘Code of Practice’ for the F&B industry in 2016. The ‘Code’ requests all ‘Certified Shops’ among the industry to have clear price labeling; periodic seminars will also be held for ‘Certified Shops’ to help raise their standard. The Council welcomes members of the two associations to join the mechanism.