The association was reacting to a press release issued by the VAT department in reaction to comments made earlier by the same association. The controversy was originally sparked when the VAT department issued a statement appealing for the public to comply with the tax. The Consumer Association reacted by saying that the emphasis was placed on consumers rather than retailers, who, said the association, are even more responsible for issuing receipts, adding that the department’s checks were haphazard and allowed ample room for abuse.

Inspections are carried out sporadically and usually when the revenues seem to fall short of forecasts set by the government, the statement said, adding that this was confirmed by the VAT Department itself in the statement it issued. That inspections are a rarity is for the public to judge, the statement said.

The association complained that the emphasis of the second statement issued by the VAT Department was again placed on the behaviour of certain consumers who run to retailers to inform them if they see an inspector approaching a shop, so they do not get caught in not issuing fiscal receipts.

The Consumer Association said that it could not understand why the department did not take any notice of the matter if it knew about this sort of abuse. “The association does not support any action that may hinder the department’s work,” the statement said, adding that the association always reported any wrongdoing immediately.

In this connection, the association said that when it did lodge complaints it was often stonewalled and only received a reply from the department after much effort. When the association asks about information on cases, which it had previously reported, it does so in order to verify whether the claim was justified and in turn be in a position to guide its members. The department’s attitude of warding off the association’s claims with excuses causes a lot damage and discourages consumers from cooperating.

It is the department’s responsibility to inform the public about the actions it is taking to ensure that abuse is reined in. This responsibility stems from an obligation towards accountability. On this note, the association concluded by inviting the department to inform the public about the dates on which it had carried inspections over the last year. “It would be a good thing if when justice is done, it can be seen to be done.”