Shops ceased trading after concerns raised with Charities Regulator
One shop owner has been prosecuted, and three shops have ceased trading and seven shops no longer market themselves as “charity shops”, following interventions by the Charities Regulator since 2016.
A public update notice published today by the Charities Regulator stated that one shop closed down following the successful prosecution of the owner.
Three shops have closed following the receipt of “cease and desist” letters from the regulator.
Seven shops subsequently amended their shop fronts or other notices to make it clear to the public that they were not a charity, which made them compliant with the Charities Act 2009.
“All charity shops must operate as part of a registered charity and all proceeds must go towards that charity's charitable purpose,” Charities Regulator chief executive John Farrelly said.
“If the public see a shop that they think, or any reasonable person would think, is a charity shop, but is not part of a registered charity, let us know and we will step in.”
Mr Farrelly urged the public to check the Charities register to be sure that any “charity shop” they are going to support is a registered charity shop.
“Check the register and support registered Irish charities.”
The Charities Regulator said that if the public have a concern that individuals or shops are in breach of the Act, they report their concerns by email or to the Charities Regulator’s dedicated phone line at 01-633 1550.
