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What do we do?

Our job is to protect consumers and honest traders by ensuring that trade is carried out lawfully, fairly and safely:

• We give information and advice to traders and consumers
• We investigate complaints
• We regularly visit trade premises and check the goods and services being sold
• When necessary we take action against traders who break the law
• We warn the public about unsafe goods or unfair trading practices

We are part of the Public Protection department within the council

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How can we help you?

If you are a consumer we can:

• Give pre-shopping advice especially for big purchases such as cars or home improvements
• Answer queries about consumer rights
• Advise and help you deal with a complaint yourself
• Investigate complaints
• Check the safety of goods
• Negotiate in certain circumstances with a trader if you cannot sort out your complaint yourself
• Advise and help with legal action using the Small Claims Court
• Refer you to appropriate experts or regulatory bodies when necessary

If you are a trader we can:

• Give advice and information to help ensure you comply with trading standards legislation
• Refer you to the appropriate experts when necessary
• Investigate complaints
• Check weighing and measuring equipment

In addition we:

• Give talks to schools, colleges and groups
• Give trade seminars
• Produce and supply a range of free consumer and trader information leaflets

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Contact us

Consumers can contact Bristol Trading Standards for more advice.
And we will give advice to Bristol Business on this and a wide range of other topics.

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