CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) Commissioner nominee Richard Evangelista said that merchants must submit a Hurricane Price List to his department by June 1.
Every year, at the onset of hurricane season, DLCA requests businesses to furnish an official price list of their goods and merchandise in stock, and for the services, they offer to the public. This information is required by law and primarily targets businesses whose goods and services are necessary for hurricane preparation and recovery.
After the submission of the first price list, businesses must continue to submit an updated price list on the first of each month, until November 30, 2019. If a business has not changed its prices or acquired new products/services; they can submit a certified letter stating the previous price is still valid.
Electronic and physical submissions are accepted. Utilize jump drives to drop off digital files or email list to[email protected]. The request for a price list primarily targets businesses whose goods and services are necessary for hurricane preparation and recovery.
Businesses that must submit price lists include all supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, water, and delivery businesses, contractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and masons.
Failure to submit a price list or certification letter by the first day of each month may subject a non-compliant business to administrative fines of up to $200 for each item sold in violation of the law in accordance with 11 VIR&R 1015-1 and 3 V.I.C. 272(b)(5). Sample price list forms for businesses are available for pick-up at DLCA offices.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs appreciates the public’s cooperation. Consumers or Merchants with questions may contact Consumer Affairs Division on St. Croix at 713-3522, St. Thomas at 714-3522 , or on St. John at 693-8036.
Maybe require SKUs for all products and food items along with this list so price gougers can later be fined, prosecuted, convicted and jailed. While we’re at it, let’s lock in gas and fuel prices (propane, LPG, etc) on the 1st of every month as well. The idea that some merchants try to screw island victims in the aftermath of a major storm is awful.