Specifically, Senate Bill 198 was signed into law by Governor Ed Rendell as Act 164 of 2006. It establishes a private cause of legal action against out of state businesses that mask their true location by pretending to be local florists so as to get business from people who believe they are helping their own community by patronizing local stores.
This legislation came about because of a practice in which fictitious names are used so as to resemble real local names and local telephone exchanges are used even though the calls go out of state.
“The consumer is hoodwinked if he or she does not know who they are doing business with. That’s the bottom line,” said PFIA lobbyist Vince Phillips. “Florists are not against competition, however people should be able to choose between a local or out of state business. The problem occurs when consumers do not know the real identity and location of the business.”
The association also singled out key legislators for their efforts. Some of those recognized include prime sponsor Senator Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), former majority leader Chip Brightbill (R-Lebanon), 2005-2006 Speaker of the House John Perzel (R- Philadelphia), and former house consumer affairs committee chairman Robert Flick (R-Chester). The legislation is effective immediately.
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