What’s Changing for Traders This Week – Week 45, 2026

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has reminded retailers across Ireland that the prices of shopping bags must be clearly displayed.

The reminder follows complaints from customers who were charged for paper bags without knowing the price beforehand.

Under consumer law, prices must be clear, easy to read and displayed on or near the product. This includes paper shopping bags and similar items.

The CCPC has warned that businesses could face enforcement action if they don’t follow these rules.

A Quick Reminder for Traders

If you charge customers for paper bags, gift bags or other packaging at your stall, make sure the price is clearly displayed.

It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. A simple sign saying “Paper Bags €0.30 Each” beside your bags or payment area will do, as long as customers can see it before they buy.

With the Christmas trading season getting busier, many of you will be using extra bags and gift packaging, so it’s worth taking a minute to check.

Just to be clear, this isn’t a new law. The CCPC is reminding businesses of rules that are already in place.

It’s a small thing, but one that’s easy to overlook when you’re busy setting up your stall.

Read more: CCPC: Retailers Reminded to Clearly Display Shopping Bag Prices

Government Employment Permits Portal Taken Offline Following Security Incident

Updated: 2 November 2026

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has confirmed that its online Employment Permits Portal remains unavailable following a security incident discovered on 29 October.

The system was taken offline after suspicious activity was detected, and further security checks are being carried out.

It was originally expected to reopen on 3 November, but the Department has since confirmed that it will take longer than anticipated.

Applications submitted before the system went offline are still being processed, and the Department is working on alternative arrangements for new applications.

At the time of this update, the Department was also investigating whether some account information, including names and email addresses, may have been accessed.

If You Employ Staff Who Need an Employment Permit

This won’t affect everyone, but if you employ someone who needs an employment permit to work in Ireland, or you’re waiting on an application or renewal, it’s worth keeping an eye on the situation.

The Department has said it will allow flexibility where certain deadlines have been affected by the disruption.

It’s also worth being careful of any unexpected emails or messages asking for personal information, passwords or payments, particularly if they claim to be from the Department.

For urgent employment permit queries, you can contact epos@enterprise.gov.ie.

We’ll keep an eye on developments and share any important updates.

Read more: Department of Enterprise: Employment Permits Portal Security Incident

That’s Our News for This Week!

It’s been a relatively quiet week for trading news, but sometimes it’s the smaller reminders that are worth keeping in mind.

We’ll continue keeping an eye on council announcements, trading rules, business supports and anything else that could be useful to you and your business.

And as always, if you’ve a question or come across something affecting your business or trading location, you’re welcome to get in touch. We’re always happy to help where we can.

Until next week,