CCPC investigating RAI
During this time the RAI failed to address concerns identified by the CCPC, claims the Commission.
“Competition law requires businesses to be free to independently make their own commercial decisions based on their business needs and circumstances,” stated the CCPC by way of explanation, “In January 2018, the CCPC became aware of public statements made by the RAI stating that the association had written to its members and recommended the introduction of booking policies including obtaining non-refundable deposits from customers to counteract ‘no show’ bookings and suggesting a deposit amount that should be sought from customers.
“Under competition law, a trade association must not attempt to co-ordinate the conduct of its members, for example, by advising, recommending or suggesting to its members the terms and conditions under which a service should be provided, or the price that should be charged.
“The CCPC’s role is to ensure that businesses have the freedom to set their own terms and we engaged with the RAI to make them aware of their obligations under competition law. The nature of this engagement was to bring about compliance, however the association has failed, to date, to address these concerns. The investigation is ongoing.”
The RAI was unavailable for comment.
