New law’s a gift
Shop vouchers to be valid for 5 years once Bill passes
Heather Humphreys SHOPPERS bagged a treat after the Cabinet backed plans to make gift vouchers valid for five years.
The new laws approved yesterday also mean consumers will not have to spend the coupon in a single transaction.
Business Minister Heather Humphreys, who put forward the Bill, said: “This has been a real bugbear for many years.
“It’s particularly relevant now in the run-up to Christmas when many of us will buy gift vouchers for family and friends. “There is cross-party support on this issue and I look forward to getting this Bill enacted in early 2019 so consumers will have greater protection.”
The legislation will mean firms won’t be able to cancel or impose charges on coupons with the wrong name.
However, the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2018 will not address cases when some retailers charge fees when stolen or lost vouchers are replaced. The lack of regulation had been criticised with groups slamming the way some shops claim the coupons are worthless a short time after they are issued. Michael Dawson, group chief executive at the Gift Voucher Shop, said the company welcomes Cabinet approval that brings greater control of the sector. He added: “The One4all multistore card, which is accepted by 8,500 retailers in Ireland, has no expiry date and allows consumers to use the credit on their card across as many transactions as they desire. “We strongly welcome legislation that will enforce other providers to adhere to similar high standards in the Irish market. “Protecting consumers is of the utmost importance so we welcome this development.”
Number of retailers in Ireland who accept the One4all multi-store card