Minutes:
The Committee received a presentation on the Olympic Branding Enforcement from William Adams, the Trading Standards Operational Manager. The Committee were informed how the Games would be protected through the education of traders and business and through intelligence gathering. Enforcement would include the sale of fake tickets, counterfeit merchandise and any other scams associated with the Olympics.
Trading Standards departments nationally were working in partnership with the London 2012 Intellectual Property Crime Unit, Metropolitan Police, Customs and Excise, Sponsors, Stakeholder and Industry Groups. New laws were in place for the Olympics and these included:
The Committee were informed that the protection was important as the Government predict that £2 billion of merchandise will be sold of this the Government will receive 20% of the revenue. This is to be used as a legacy for the games, and without it taxpayers will all have to pay for any loss. The committee were concerned by this and felt that the protection was important.
The officer explained that Trading Standards were working closely with local Bed and Breakfast and Hotels in the area to ensure that rates were correct and there were no scams. Members asked how details of the protection would be publicised. Officers explained that they would have regular updates in the Romford Recorder, Living and on the Website.
The Committee were informed that through the London Regional Asset Recovery Team, any fly-pitchers could be apprehended and given a warning. If they were found to be selling again, then any profits/ money they had on them would be confiscated, as it is assumed to be criminality profit. This could go further and private property could also be seized, including cars, belongings and homes.
Under existing laws, in relation to Toys, electrical goods and the sale of alcohol to young people, there was a big concern around counterfeit toys. A recent case found toy cars being sold, with 90% higher lead chromium in the paint. If this got into a child’s body, it would be there forever.
Over the period of the Olympics, Trading Standards Officer would have the powers of arrest, and search warrants could be used. There would be an Olympic Magistrates Court which would be open 24/7, to deal with any issues.
Members asked if there was any counterfeit merchandise already appearing. Officers advised that they had seen shirts, shorts, trainers and pin badges. They envisaged this becoming more common as Christmas approached.
Members asked if there was any additional funding for staff and resources. Officers explained that although sponsors had already agreed that they could provide storage and transportation of goods, any additional duties in other areas, would have to be paid for by that area.
The Committee thanked the officer for the informative presentation and asked for an update in 6 months time.