Cabinet has called for increased public education and advertising by the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division as part of a broader effort to tighten enforcement against retailers who refuse to comply with price control laws, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday.

Merchant said Cabinet indicated that the division should expand its outreach efforts to better inform both consumers and businesses about their obligations under the law.

“One of the areas that the Cabinet indicated to the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division was to increase their marketing program, sensitising the public on what the law says and what is anticipated,” Merchant said.

He said the effort is also aimed at retailers who are routinely inspected.

“Sensitising the people whom they are required to assess on a regular basis, mainly supermarket and retail providers,” he said.

Alongside increased public education, Merchant said Cabinet is also weighing stronger legal measures to deal with retailers who continue to refuse cooperation, including withholding invoices and other required documentation during inspections.

He said the Attorney General is preparing proposals to strengthen the law.

“His team will be making a presentation to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda at next session,” Merchant said.

Merchant said the proposed legal changes are intended to support enforcement efforts by the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, which is also in the process of being strengthened with additional staff following an immediate Cabinet directive.