their operations are in line with the Consumer Protection Act by the beginning of next month.

In a letter to the small business development corporation Karen Marshall executive officer of the Consumer Affairs Office noted that the Act was signed on October 1, 2000.

"As a consequence of this we are asking all retailers to familiarise themselves with the Act and, where appropriate, make the necessary adjustments for compliance by December 1, 2000,'' she said.

The Act beefed up regulations already in place giving consumers better protection and the consumer affairs department some real teeth.

Businesses that do not comply with the Act can now face legal action.