Distribution and Price of Goods Act (CAP. 138).

This Act authorizes the Minister to fix and declare by Order the maximum prices for which any goods may be sold by retail or wholesale either throughout Antigua and Barbuda, for the purpose of maintaining, controlling or regulating supplies as to secure a sufficiency of those essential to the well-being of the community, their equitable distribution and their availability at fair prices. This Act provides for the establishment and functions of the Prices Commission. It compels traders to obtain licence to import basic or essential goods. It also lays down penalties for selling goods at a price in excess of the maximum price, penalties for any trader who fails to mark any goods required to be marked, penalties for any trader without reasonable cause refuses to sell goods subject to the Order, penalties for any trader who fails to deliver invoice, penalties for every trader dealing in goods the maximum price of which has been fixed who fails to keep reasonable records of all purchases of such goods. The Minister may, by order, authorize the Price Control Officer to provide for the exclusive or limited right of distribution and sale of any foodstuffs or essential commodities for use or consumption in Antigua and Barbuda or any part thereof through any trader(s) approved by the Price Control Office.