OC Political

Tonight, I went to the Vons store in La Verne, which is located in eastern Los Angeles County, which I was encountered a signage affixed to the store’s window “Notice of Overcharge Conviction” from the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures:

“Inspectors with the Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department conducted a price accuracy inspection on May 1, 2012.  The store charged more than its lowest posted/advertised price on ONE item.  The overcharge amounted to $5.40.

As a result of that inspection, the store was found to be violation of Business and Professions Code section 12024.2 (a).  Vons #2832 was fined a total of $2,190.00.  It was further ordered to pay $550.00 in investigation costs.  Hearing was held in Pomona Superior Courthouse, Case #2PK03190 before Judge Geanene M. Yriate in Division 002.”

Then, it prompted me to read what the Business and Professions Code says on this issue:

12024.2.  (a) It is unlawful for any person, at the time of sale of
a commodity, to do any of the following:
   (1) Charge an amount greater than the price, or to compute an
amount greater than a true extension of a price per unit, that is
then advertised, posted, marked, displayed, or quoted for that
commodity.
   (2) Charge an amount greater than the lowest price posted on the
commodity itself or on a shelf tag that corresponds to the commodity,
notwithstanding any limitation of the time period for which the
posted price is in effect.

On the surface, the fine of $2,740 imposed on Vons seems pretty harsh over $5.40 for ONE ITEM, which begs the question:  Is government powers overreached?

It will be argued that government powers have reached its zenith, because retailers like, Vons, makes every attempt to ensure the prices on the shelf will reflect when it rings up at the cash register.

The Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department have the ability to impose administrative fines rather than tying up the court docket on a $5.40 overcharged item.

Consumers should be protected from retailers ripoffs.

Retailers should have the ability to survive in a tough economy that provides jobs and tax base for local economies.

Let’s hope that government bureaucrats will not become overzealous with their powers and such regulations should be reviewed and checked by the state legislature.