$2.8 million chain store settlement

After a $2.8 million settlement last week, Rite Aid Corp.'s South Lake Tahoe store was not specifically cited in a California consumer protection lawsuit, but is still held accountable for any complaints.

According to District Attorney Gary Lacy of El Dorado County, Rite Aid stores located throughout California were receiving complaints on misleading statements concerning price, availability of products and expiration dates of certain products. Upon comparing the separate complaints with other counties, district attorney offices noticed a pattern.

"It was not a situation where we had to investigate each specific store," Lacy said. "We just had to ascertain whether or not there was a pattern. Since we had limited resources we did not conduct our investigation in South Lake Tahoe, but in the Placerville area."

Lacy said no complaints were filed against the South Lake store, but those in the Placerville area consisted mostly of advertised products not being available.

Under the terms of the settlement, Rite Aid paid the $2.8 million in civil penalties and costs and must implement a new management compliance program, which includes establishing a toll-free number for consumer comments and complaints. That number is 1-800-962-1914.