Ice storm may test anti-gouging law

Last month’s ice storm may put to the test a new state law designed to stop businesses from raising prices during an emergency.

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the S.C. Legislature passed a law that, among other things, strengthened the state’s anti-gouging laws.

Gov. Mark Sanford declared a statewide emergency on Jan. 26, the first declaration in 25 years for a winter storm.

Under the law, after a state of emergency is declared, businesses cannot charge more for a good or service than its median price in the previous month, said attorney general’s office spokesman Trey Walker.

Both the attorney general’s office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department have heard reports that some businesses may have engaged in illegal price gouging, but neither office has received an official complaint or launched an investigation.

Walker said any victims of price gouging should contact a county sheriff, because prosecutions are generally on the county level.

— James D. McWilliams