The Consumer Council is considering whether guidelines are needed to monitor businesses using pre-paid coupons.
But the council is unlikely to seek legislation at this stage, Provisional Urban Councillor Manuel Chan Tim-shing of the Citizens Party said after a meeting with the council. He said the council was worried the business sector would argue such a law would undermine the SAR's free economy.
The council was consulting the retail industry on whether guidelines could be put in place before legislation was considered.
The guidelines, which the council said could be drawn up by the industry, would include a ceiling on the number of coupons a company could issue, and an inquiry mechanism for consumers.
Mr Chan said the council had suggested that coupon-issuing companies consider opening their books to the council.
This would give consumers a better idea of their financial situation.
