Even as Gov. Brian Kemp begins to relax more restrictions placed during the coronavirus pandemic, the state's price gouging statute remains in place through July 12.
Under the statute, businesses may not charge more for products and services before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the increased prices accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new stock or the cost to transport it.
The statute was first activated on March 14, when Kemp issued a statewide public health emergency because of the coronavirus. Kemp has renewed the state of emergency twice, and it is now scheduled to expire on July 12.
“Our office will not tolerate attempts to use this public health crisis to exploit consumers,” Attorney General Chris Carr said. “We are working around-the-clock to review and look into price gouging complaints, and we will hold violators accountable for any unlawful practices.”
The state's Consumer Protection Division received more than 1,000 price gouging complaints between March 14 and June 2. Most were related to food, face masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and disinfecting products.
The price gouging statute is typically implemented following severe weather, and complaints then are usually lodged against gasoline, lodging, tree removal and home repair businesses.
The CPD has gotten five times the number of complaints it got in 2017 following Hurricane Irma.
More than 850 businesses have been put on notice about concerns they may be price gouging. In addition, the CPD has also been targeting COVID-related items on online platforms.
Violators of the price gouging statute may be fined up to $5,000 per violation.
