Central Albertans were asked to offer their input last night on how to better protect consumers from shady business practices.

Service Alberta Minister Stephanie McLean attended a public consultation meeting at Red Deer's downtown library where says that feedback will go toward updating legislation, like the Fair Trading Act.

McLean said the majority of businesses are honest but the bad apples sully the good name of the rest.

"When we as legislators can ensure that the laws both protect consumers and increase the reputation of business, we overall, create consumer confidence," McLean said.

"And consumer confidence is good for the bottom line. It's good for our economy. It's good for business and it's good for affordability."

McLean is hosting six open houses where Albertans can provide input. They started Sept. 6 in Edmonton. The final one takes place on Sept. 19 in Medicine Hat.

The provincial government also has an online survey. More than 2,500 have weighed in.

Some of the issue they want to address include reward points earned through loyalty programs, bots scooping up concert tickets for the secondary market, talent agencies and more.

"These are the kinds of marketplace trends that have developed in the last 10 years," McLean said. "Our legislation doesn't contemplate it. It doesn't respond to it."