Province Bans Expiry Dates On Gift Cards

By 250 News

Thursday, April 10, 2008 01:49 PM

VICTORIA - Consumers will get full value out of their gift cards as the

Province bans expiry dates and service charges under legislation

introduced today, Solicitor General John van Dongen has announced.

"Gift cards are increasingly popular, and fair, consistent rules are

needed to ensure people get what they pay for," van Dongen said.

"Whether someone buys a $10 coffee card or a $500 boutique gift card,

they should not see its value eroded by service charges or eliminated by

an expiry date. We are going to make sure they get their money's worth."

Effective later this year, the Public Safety and Solicitor General (Gift

Card Certainty) Statutes Amendment Act will:

* Require businesses to inform customers at the time of purchase how

cards can be redeemed, used and replaced.

* Prohibit expiry dates and fees, except in limited circumstances.
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Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2008 01:49 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: acrider54 on April 10 2008 6:25 PM

Liberals have finally done something for us.

Posted by: lostfaith on April 10 2008 7:24 PM

Can someone come pick me up I have fallen and can't get up.

Posted by: Runner46 on April 10 2008 10:29 PM

If this were the seventies, this would be a NDP idea.......

who is wearing whose clothing?

Posted by: tinyapplecork on April 10 2008 11:02 PM

ok about time! But....which "limited circumstances"?
Some cards have carried expiry dates, like cheques and gift certificates, because it is an accounting nightmare...
Well, hope it solves most consumer woes!

Posted by: owl on April 11 2008 1:35 AM

Accounting nightmare ...... ????? its called accrual I believe .....

Let's assume your year end is December 31 ..... many people buy gift cards for Xmas ....... what does a store or restaurant do now with those cards that are not cashed in prior to December 31 when it comes to their accounting?

There are several ways of doing that. I would not worry about it.

The stores have a choice, follow the new law, or not issue gift cards.

Posted by: singlemom on April 11 2008 9:01 AM

There is nothing more frustrating than going to use a gift card and finding it expired - talk about feeling totally and completely robbed and ripped off. It has happened twice to me and I refuse to go back to the stores who would not redeem the cards.

Posted by: singlemom on April 11 2008 9:02 AM

Ok, there are plenty of things more frustrating, not the phrase I was looking for :-) Nevertheless, annoying as hell.

Posted by: justamom on April 11 2008 9:37 AM

I think they should also have to give the customer a print out-indicating any purchases and the balance left on the card. A transaction history would be helpful.