Ask Susan: Beef about dinner price

Q: I went to one of my favourite roast dinner places and ordered a medium combination roast beef/pork dinner. The price board says beef and pork are the same price. Lamb is more expensive. I have always paid the price of pork or beef when I get a combo. Last time I went there they told me it would be at the lamb price because it was a combo. Are they allowed to have one price on the board and charge another at the till?
- Pat, Hamilton

A:

A shop can charge what it likes and change its prices as it sees fit - providing it does not do so in a way that is misleading or deceptive, or make false or misleading representations.

If the advertised price differs from the price charged, it may breach the Fair Trading Act. You could complain to the Commerce Commission or write to the business.