The Consumer Protection Service has issued its first fine for violating the maximum resale price of drinking water in designated areas.

The fine was imposed on CE Sportcourt Ltd, the company managing the canteens at GSP stadium in Nicosia, after it was found selling 500ml of water for €1 instead of the regulated price of 60 cents.

Head of the Consumer Protection Service, Constantinos Karayiorgis, told Stockwatch that the violation was reported at the end of March during the Apoel vs. Apollon match.

During an inspection, service officers found that the canteens’ price list displayed water for 50 cents, without any reference to the legally controlled price. However, when purchasing 500ml of water in a cup at the till, they were charged €1.

The company claimed the overcharge was a mistake and pledged to review pricing across all its canteens at GSP Stadium.

Karayiorgis stated that the Consumer Protection Service would intensify inspections to ensure compliance with price regulations.

The legally binding price cap applies to bottled water sold in airports, beaches, museums, archaeological sites, hospitals, zoos and theatres.